Silcal-O
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate (equivalent to Elemental Calcium 296 mg) and Vitamin D3 200 IU
Manufacturer
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| silcal o 740 mg tablet | ৳ 11.00 | ৳ 110.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Silcal-O 740 mg Tablet is a combination medicine containing Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3, primarily used to treat and prevent calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, and to support bone health.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by the physician. May be taken with or without food.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment required; follow adult dosage.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution and monitor calcium levels. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in severe renal impairment. Consult a physician.
How to Take
Oral administration. Tablets can be swallowed whole with water. For better absorption, it can be taken with meals.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium Carbonate provides elemental calcium which is essential for bone formation and maintenance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) facilitates the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and its subsequent utilization in the body, promoting bone mineralization.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects on bone mineral density are gradual, over weeks to months.
Excretion
Calcium is primarily excreted via kidneys (urine) and feces. Vitamin D metabolites are primarily excreted in the bile and feces.
Half life
Elemental calcium has a short half-life in serum. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) has a half-life of about 24 hours, but its active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D has a half-life of 3-5 days. Storage in fat cells can prolong its overall presence in the body.
Absorption
Calcium absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, enhanced by Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is absorbed from the small intestine, then hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and subsequently in the kidney to its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
Metabolism
Calcium is not metabolized. Vitamin D3 is metabolized in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and then in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the urine)
- Severe renal impairment
- Known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Calcium may reduce absorption; take at least 4 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium may interfere with absorption; take at least 30 minutes apart.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcaemia.
Digitalis glycosides
Increased risk of arrhythmias if hypercalcaemia develops.
Tetracycline and Quinolone antibiotics
Calcium may reduce their absorption; take at least 2-3 hours apart.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcaemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria, weakness, confusion) and hypervitaminosis D. Treatment involves discontinuing the product, hydration, and medical management of hypercalcaemia.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation, but should be used under the supervision of a physician to ensure appropriate dosing and avoid hypercalcaemia.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the urine)
- Severe renal impairment
- Known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
Drug Interactions
Levothyroxine
Calcium may reduce absorption; take at least 4 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium may interfere with absorption; take at least 30 minutes apart.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcaemia.
Digitalis glycosides
Increased risk of arrhythmias if hypercalcaemia develops.
Tetracycline and Quinolone antibiotics
Calcium may reduce their absorption; take at least 2-3 hours apart.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcaemia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, thirst, polyuria, weakness, confusion) and hypervitaminosis D. Treatment involves discontinuing the product, hydration, and medical management of hypercalcaemia.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation, but should be used under the supervision of a physician to ensure appropriate dosing and avoid hypercalcaemia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and drugstores
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Generic
Clinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials support the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D in bone health and deficiency management.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially in patients with renal impairment or on prolonged treatment)
- Urinary calcium excretion (if indicated)
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients on dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D.
- Counsel patients on potential drug interactions, especially with antibiotics and thyroid hormones.
- Monitor renal function and serum calcium levels in patients with pre-existing renal conditions or on prolonged therapy.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the tablet with a full glass of water.
- Do not crush or chew the tablet unless advised by a doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
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.
Driving Precautions
Silcal-O 740 mg Tablet is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to improve bone density.
- Ensure a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Get adequate sun exposure for natural vitamin D synthesis (while being mindful of skin protection).
- Avoid smoking and excessive caffeine intake, which can negatively impact bone health.
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