Easycal
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate (equivalent to 400 mg Elemental Calcium)
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| easycal 400 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 80.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Easycal-400 mg Tablet is a calcium supplement used to prevent and treat calcium deficiencies. It is vital for maintaining healthy bones, nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting processes.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 400-1200 mg elemental calcium daily, in divided doses, preferably with meals. For Easycal-400 mg Tablet, one tablet once or twice daily, or as directed by physician.
Elderly
Same as adults, but monitoring for hypercalcemia and renal function is advised, especially with concomitant use of other medications.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on serum calcium and phosphate levels. Consult a nephrologist.
How to Take
Take orally, preferably with meals to enhance absorption and minimize gastric upset. Do not chew or crush the tablet unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral required for various physiological processes, including bone formation and maintenance, neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and blood coagulation. It helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Absorption begins shortly after ingestion, but therapeutic effects (e.g., bone density improvement) are long-term and cumulative.
Excretion
Mainly excreted via kidneys (renal) through urine and also via feces (unabsorbed calcium).
Half life
No specific plasma half-life for elemental calcium as it is tightly regulated by hormonal mechanisms and incorporated into bone matrix.
Absorption
Absorbed primarily in the small intestine, efficiency depends on dose, dietary factors, and vitamin D status. Bioavailability for calcium carbonate is approximately 20-30%.
Metabolism
Calcium is not metabolized in the traditional sense; it is an ion that is absorbed, distributed, and primarily incorporated into skeletal tissue.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood)
- •Severe hypercalciuria (excessive calcium in urine)
- •Nephrolithiasis (history of kidney stones), especially if recurrent or due to hypercalciuria
- •Hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate or any component of the formulation
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Hypercalcemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity and cardiac arrhythmias.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase serum calcium levels by reducing renal excretion of calcium.
Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate)
Calcium can interfere with the absorption of bisphosphonates. Administer separately by at least 30-60 minutes.
Thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine)
Calcium can reduce the absorption of thyroid hormones. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, significantly reducing their absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-4 hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C (86°F). Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia, which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, and confusion. Severe cases can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, kidney damage, and coma. Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of calcium, hydration, and possibly loop diuretics, calcitonin, or corticosteroids in severe cases.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium requirements, under medical supervision. Excessive doses should be avoided to prevent hypercalcemia in the mother and fetus/infant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the manufacturing date, as indicated on the packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., DGDA in Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Generic, no longer under patent protection
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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