Silcal-O
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate + Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| silcal o 400 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 80.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Silcal-O 400 mg Tablet is a nutritional supplement containing calcium carbonate and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), primarily used to prevent and treat calcium and vitamin D deficiencies and support bone health.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by a physician. Tablets should be taken with water, preferably with or after meals.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required, but caution is advised in patients with renal impairment. Consult a physician.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution and monitor calcium levels due to increased risk of hypercalcemia. Dose adjustment or avoidance may be necessary in severe cases. Consult a physician.
How to Take
Take orally with water, preferably with or after meals to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium is an essential mineral required for bone formation, maintenance, and many physiological functions. Vitamin D3 helps regulate calcium and phosphate homeostasis, facilitating the absorption of calcium from the gut and promoting bone mineralization.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Onset of bone health benefits is gradual, over weeks to months, with sustained use. Serum level changes can be seen within hours/days for Vitamin D and Calcium.
Excretion
Calcium is excreted primarily via the kidneys (glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption) and feces. Vitamin D metabolites are primarily excreted in bile and feces, with some renal excretion.
Half life
Elemental calcium has complex pharmacokinetics, not easily described by a single half-life. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) has a half-life of 24-48 hours, while its active metabolite, calcitriol, has a half-life of approximately 3-5 days.
Absorption
Calcium absorption is primarily in the small intestine, via active transport (saturable, Vitamin D-dependent) and passive diffusion. Cholecalciferol is fat-soluble and absorbed from the small intestine, requiring bile salts.
Metabolism
Calcium is not extensively metabolized; a small portion is excreted. Cholecalciferol is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (calcidiol) and further in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol), the active form.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substances or any excipients
- Hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Hypercalciuria (abnormally high levels of calcium in the urine)
- Severe renal impairment or kidney stones
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Known sarcoidosis
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Calcium can impair the absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates. Administer calcium at least 30 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Corticosteroids
Systemic corticosteroids can reduce calcium absorption.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia by decreasing renal calcium excretion.
Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and digitalis toxicity.
Tetracyclines and Fluoroquinolones
Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-3 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium.
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 (hypercalcemia) may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, mental disturbances (e.g., confusion), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Management involves immediate discontinuation of the supplement, rehydration, and supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
This supplement is often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements, but it should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substances or any excipients
- Hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Hypercalciuria (abnormally high levels of calcium in the urine)
- Severe renal impairment or kidney stones
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Known sarcoidosis
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Calcium can impair the absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium can reduce the absorption of bisphosphonates. Administer calcium at least 30 minutes after bisphosphonates.
Corticosteroids
Systemic corticosteroids can reduce calcium absorption.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia by decreasing renal calcium excretion.
Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digoxin)
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and digitalis toxicity.
Tetracyclines and Fluoroquinolones
Calcium can chelate these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-3 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium.
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 (hypercalcemia) may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, mental disturbances (e.g., confusion), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (frequent urination), and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Management involves immediate discontinuation of the supplement, rehydration, and supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
This supplement is often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements, but it should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Generally 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific details on packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, drugstores
Approval Status
Approved as a supplement/OTC
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic combination)
Clinical Trials
Efficacy and safety of calcium and vitamin D supplementation are well-established through numerous clinical trials and studies for the prevention and treatment of bone health conditions. Specific clinical trials for this exact brand might not be publicly available as it's a common supplement.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially in patients with renal impairment or predisposition to hypercalcemia)
- 24-hour urinary calcium excretion (if hypercalciuria is suspected)
- Serum 25(OH)D levels (if vitamin D status is uncertain)
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients to maintain adequate hydration to minimize the risk of kidney stones.
- Monitor serum calcium levels in patients predisposed to hypercalcemia or with renal impairment.
- Consider dietary calcium intake before prescribing to avoid excessive supplementation.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Take the tablet with or after food to improve absorption.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, 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.
Driving Precautions
Silcal-O 400 mg Tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Consume a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to promote bone health.
- Ensure adequate sunlight exposure for natural vitamin D synthesis (if appropriate).
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