Naafcal-D
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin D3
Manufacturer
Navana Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| naafcal d 500 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Naafcal-D 500 mg tablet is a combination supplement containing calcium carbonate and vitamin D3. It is primarily used to prevent and treat calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, and to support bone health by promoting bone mineralization.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by a physician. Should be taken with meals.
Elderly
Same as adult dosage, but often with increased need due to age-related reduced absorption and higher risk of deficiency.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be required, and monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate levels is crucial. Contraindicated in severe renal failure.
How to Take
Oral. Should be swallowed whole with water, preferably with meals to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is essential for various physiological processes including bone formation, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gut, playing a crucial role in bone mineralization and maintaining calcium homeostasis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
The therapeutic effects on bone density are gradual, taking weeks to months. Acute effects on serum calcium levels depend on the existing deficiency and intake.
Excretion
Calcium is primarily excreted via kidneys (urine) and feces. Vitamin D3 metabolites are mainly excreted through bile into feces, with a minor fraction through urine.
Half life
Elemental Calcium does not have a single half-life as it's tightly regulated in homeostasis; however, the half-life of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol), the major circulating metabolite of Vitamin D3, is 15-30 days.
Absorption
Calcium is absorbed primarily in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum), with an absorption rate typically ranging from 20-50%. Vitamin D3 is absorbed from the small intestine, mainly in the duodenum and jejunum, and incorporated into chylomicrons.
Metabolism
Calcium is not metabolized in the traditional sense; its homeostasis is regulated. Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcifediol), then in the kidneys to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any component
- Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria
- Severe renal impairment and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Hypervitaminosis D
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption and impair vitamin D metabolism.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia due to decreased urinary calcium excretion.
Digitalis glycosides
Hypercalcemia can potentiate the effects of digitalis, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.
Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics
Calcium can form insoluble complexes, reducing antibiotic absorption. Administer calcium at least 2-3 hours before or 4-6 hours after these antibiotics.
Bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, iron supplements
Reduced absorption if taken concurrently. Separate administration by several hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, kidney stones). Management involves discontinuation of the supplement, hydration, and in severe cases, diuretics or corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe and essential during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased physiological demands, but should only be used under medical supervision. Excessive intake should be avoided.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any component
- Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria
- Severe renal impairment and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Hypervitaminosis D
Drug Interactions
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption and impair vitamin D metabolism.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia due to decreased urinary calcium excretion.
Digitalis glycosides
Hypercalcemia can potentiate the effects of digitalis, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.
Tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics
Calcium can form insoluble complexes, reducing antibiotic absorption. Administer calcium at least 2-3 hours before or 4-6 hours after these antibiotics.
Bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, iron supplements
Reduced absorption if taken concurrently. Separate administration by several hours.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, kidney stones). Management involves discontinuation of the supplement, hydration, and in severe cases, diuretics or corticosteroids.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe and essential during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased physiological demands, but should only be used under medical supervision. Excessive intake should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 24-36 months from the manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., DGDA in Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Expired/Generic
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials and epidemiological studies support the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health, especially in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and deficiencies.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels
- Serum phosphate levels
- 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
- Urinary calcium excretion (in some patients, especially with renal impairment)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients on adequate fluid intake to minimize the risk of kidney stones.
- Emphasize the importance of dietary calcium and regular weight-bearing exercise alongside supplementation.
- Monitor serum calcium levels in patients with renal impairment or those on concomitant interacting medications.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed, do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Take with food to improve absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Report any unusual or severe symptoms to your doctor.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake.
- Do not take other calcium or vitamin D supplements unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Missed Dose Advice
Take the missed dose 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
Generally, Naafcal-D does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if any side effects like dizziness occur, caution should be exercised.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium-containing foods.
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise for bone health.
- Get adequate, safe sun exposure for natural Vitamin D synthesis.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as they can negatively impact bone health.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.