Maacal-DX
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Manufacturer
ACME Laboratories Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| maacal dx 600 mg tablet | ৳ 17.00 | ৳ 170.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Maacal-DX 600 mg Tablet is a combination medication containing Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). It is primarily used to prevent and treat calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, support bone health, and manage conditions like osteoporosis and osteomalacia.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by a physician.
Elderly
Same as adult dosage, or as directed by a physician, with careful monitoring.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be required based on calcium and phosphate levels. Avoid in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Orally. Can be taken with or without food, but taking with food may improve absorption and reduce gastric upset. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral required for bone formation, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and various metabolic processes. Vitamin D3 helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis, promoting their absorption from the gut and deposition into bones. It also plays a role in immune function and cell growth.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Not immediately acute effect, long-term for bone health.
Excretion
Calcium is excreted via urine and feces. Vitamin D metabolites are primarily excreted in the bile and feces, with a small amount in urine.
Half life
Elemental calcium itself does not have a typical half-life like drugs. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) has a half-life of about 24 hours, but its active metabolite, calcitriol, has a half-life of about 15 hours. The storage form, calcifediol, has a half-life of about 15-20 days.
Absorption
Calcium is absorbed primarily in the small intestine via active transport and passive diffusion; absorption efficiency varies (20-40%). Vitamin D3 is absorbed in the small intestine, primarily via micellar solubilization, and transported to the liver.
Metabolism
Calcium is not metabolized in the traditional sense. Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol) and then in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), its active form.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypercalciuria
- Severe renal impairment
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Hypervitaminosis D
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption.
Cardiac glycosides
Hypercalcemia may potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-3 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates, Levothyroxine, Iron supplements
Calcium can interfere with their absorption. Administer at least 2-4 hours apart.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria, muscle weakness, confusion, kidney stones). Treatment involves discontinuing the supplement, hydration, and medical management to lower calcium levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements, but should be used under medical supervision.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypercalciuria
- Severe renal impairment
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Hypervitaminosis D
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption.
Cardiac glycosides
Hypercalcemia may potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Tetracycline and Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-3 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates, Levothyroxine, Iron supplements
Calcium can interfere with their absorption. Administer at least 2-4 hours apart.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria, muscle weakness, confusion, kidney stones). Treatment involves discontinuing the supplement, hydration, and medical management to lower calcium levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements, but should be used under medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplementation in preventing and treating osteoporosis and other bone disorders. Ongoing research explores optimal dosages and combinations.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels
- Serum phosphate levels
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
- Renal function (creatinine, BUN) in patients with kidney impairment or long-term use.
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to maintain adequate hydration.
- Caution in patients with a history of kidney stones or impaired renal function.
- Assess for potential drug interactions, especially with cardiac glycosides and certain antibiotics.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent kidney stone formation.
- Chew chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Maacal-DX is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise to support bone health.
- Ensure a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can negatively impact bone density.
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Global Brand Names
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