Ostocal-C
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin D3
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| ostocal c 1000 mg tablet | ৳ 15.00 | ৳ 150.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ostocal-C 1000 mg Tablet is a nutritional supplement combining Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3. It is primarily used to prevent or treat calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, support bone health, and manage conditions like osteoporosis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by a physician. Tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole.
Elderly
Same as adult dose, adjust based on renal function if severe impairment.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be required in severe renal impairment. Monitor serum calcium and phosphate levels.
How to Take
Take orally, with or without food. Taking with food may improve absorption, especially for calcium carbonate. Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. Swallow whole tablets with a glass of water.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral required for bone formation, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood coagulation. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis, primarily by increasing intestinal absorption of calcium and promoting bone mineralization. It also plays a role in renal reabsorption of calcium and bone remodeling.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Calcium: Gradual, for bone health benefits, effects are long-term. Vitamin D3: Days to weeks for full effect.
Excretion
Calcium: Primarily fecal (unabsorbed calcium), and renal (filtered and reabsorbed). Vitamin D3: Excreted mainly in bile and feces, a small amount renally.
Half life
Calcium: Variable, depends on physiological state. Vitamin D3: Cholecalciferol has a half-life of 24 hours, but its active metabolite, calcitriol, has a half-life of 3-5 days. Storage in adipose tissue can prolong its presence.
Absorption
Calcium: Approximately 20-40% of ingested calcium is absorbed, primarily in the duodenum via active transport and in the jejunum/ileum via passive diffusion. Absorption is enhanced by Vitamin D. Vitamin D3: Readily absorbed from the small intestine, primarily with fats (requires bile salts).
Metabolism
Calcium: Not metabolized, but its physiological distribution and excretion are highly regulated. Vitamin D3: 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
- Hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine)
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones, especially calcium-containing)
- Severe renal impairment
- Hypersensitivity to active substances or excipients
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Vitamin D intoxication
Drug Interactions
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can reduce absorption. Take calcium at least 30-60 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Corticosteroids
Can decrease calcium absorption.
Diuretics (Thiazide)
May reduce calcium excretion, increasing risk of hypercalcaemia.
Tetracyclines & Quinolones
Calcium can reduce absorption of these antibiotics. Take calcium at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after these antibiotics.
Thyroid hormones (Levothyroxine)
Calcium can impair absorption. Take calcium at least 4 hours apart.
Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)
Hypercalcaemia may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Use with caution.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcaemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, kidney stones). Treatment involves discontinuing the supplement, ensuring adequate hydration, and in severe cases, intravenous fluids and diuretics. Monitor serum calcium and renal function.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements, but should be used under medical supervision and not exceed recommended doses.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high calcium levels in urine)
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones, especially calcium-containing)
- Severe renal impairment
- Hypersensitivity to active substances or excipients
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Vitamin D intoxication
Drug Interactions
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can reduce absorption. Take calcium at least 30-60 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Corticosteroids
Can decrease calcium absorption.
Diuretics (Thiazide)
May reduce calcium excretion, increasing risk of hypercalcaemia.
Tetracyclines & Quinolones
Calcium can reduce absorption of these antibiotics. Take calcium at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after these antibiotics.
Thyroid hormones (Levothyroxine)
Calcium can impair absorption. Take calcium at least 4 hours apart.
Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)
Hypercalcaemia may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Use with caution.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcaemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, kidney stones). Treatment involves discontinuing the supplement, ensuring adequate hydration, and in severe cases, intravenous fluids and diuretics. Monitor serum calcium and renal function.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements, but should be used under medical supervision and not exceed recommended doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, drug stores
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Expired / Not applicable (Generic formulation)
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials support the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for bone health and deficiency correction.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially in patients with renal impairment or on prolonged high doses)
- Serum phosphate levels
- Renal function tests (creatinine, BUN)
- 24-hour urinary calcium (if hypercalciuria suspected)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to maintain adequate fluid intake.
- Monitor serum calcium in patients with pre-existing conditions affecting calcium metabolism or renal impairment.
- Consider drug interactions, especially with antibiotics and thyroid hormones.
- Educate patients on symptoms of hypercalcaemia.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole with water.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially antibiotics, thyroid hormones, or bisphosphonates.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent kidney stones.
- Report any symptoms of hypercalcaemia (e.g., excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness) to your doctor.
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
Ostocal-C 1000 mg Tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to support bone health.
- Ensure a balanced diet rich in calcium (dairy products, leafy greens) and vitamin D (fatty fish, fortified foods).
- Limit excessive alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Avoid smoking, as it can negatively impact bone density.
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