Vesocal Plus
Generic Name
Calcium Carbonate + Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| vesocal plus 5 mg tablet | ৳ 7.00 | ৳ 70.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Vesocal Plus is a nutritional supplement combining Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3. It is used to prevent and treat calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, supporting bone health, and managing conditions like osteoporosis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically, 1-2 tablets daily, or as directed by a physician. May be taken with or after meals.
Elderly
Same as adults, but caution should be exercised in patients with renal impairment or those prone to hypercalcemia.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be required. Serum calcium and phosphate levels should be monitored regularly.
How to Take
Vesocal Plus tablets should be swallowed whole with water. It can be taken with or after meals to improve absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
Mechanism of Action
Calcium Carbonate provides elemental calcium, crucial for bone formation, maintenance, and various physiological functions. Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) enhances the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the body, promoting bone mineralization.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Effects on bone mineral density are gradual and require long-term use.
Excretion
Calcium is primarily excreted via feces (unabsorbed) and urine (excess absorbed). Vitamin D metabolites are excreted mainly in bile and feces, with a small amount in urine.
Half life
Calcium has a complex physiological half-life. Vitamin D3 has a half-life of 15-30 days; its active metabolite, calcitriol, has a half-life of 3-5 days.
Absorption
Calcium absorption from the GI tract is variable (20-40%), enhanced by Vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is well absorbed from the small intestine, especially with fatty meals.
Metabolism
Calcium is not metabolized. Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcifediol) and then in the kidneys to the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the urine)
- Hypervitaminosis D (excessive vitamin D in the body)
- Severe renal impairment
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Hypercalcemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption and lead to increased calcium excretion.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia by decreasing renal calcium excretion.
Tetracyclines and Quinolones
Calcium can reduce the absorption of these antibiotics. Take them at least 2-3 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates and Sodium Fluoride
Calcium can interfere with their absorption. Administer at least 30 minutes (bisphosphonates) or 2 hours (sodium fluoride) apart.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose (hypercalcemia) may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Management involves discontinuing the supplement, hydration, and medical supervision.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Vesocal Plus is generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements. However, the dosage should be as advised by a physician to avoid excessive intake.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the urine)
- Hypervitaminosis D (excessive vitamin D in the body)
- Severe renal impairment
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
Drug Interactions
Digoxin
Hypercalcemia can potentiate the effects of digoxin, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Corticosteroids
May reduce calcium absorption and lead to increased calcium excretion.
Thiazide diuretics
May increase the risk of hypercalcemia by decreasing renal calcium excretion.
Tetracyclines and Quinolones
Calcium can reduce the absorption of these antibiotics. Take them at least 2-3 hours apart.
Bisphosphonates and Sodium Fluoride
Calcium can interfere with their absorption. Administer at least 30 minutes (bisphosphonates) or 2 hours (sodium fluoride) apart.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose (hypercalcemia) may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Management involves discontinuing the supplement, hydration, and medical supervision.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Vesocal Plus is generally considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements. However, the dosage should be as advised by a physician to avoid excessive intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Usually 2-3 years from the date of manufacture, specific expiry date is mentioned on the packaging.
Availability
Available in pharmacies and drug stores
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
Clinical Trials
Calcium and Vitamin D supplements have been extensively studied in numerous clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy in bone health, osteoporosis prevention, and fracture reduction.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum calcium levels (especially in long-term high-dose therapy or in patients with renal impairment)
- Serum 25(OH)D levels (if vitamin D deficiency is being treated)
- Renal function (creatinine and GFR)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of adequate dietary calcium intake alongside supplementation.
- Advise patients on lifestyle modifications to support bone health.
- Monitor serum calcium and renal function in elderly patients or those with pre-existing conditions.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the tablet whole with water, do not crush or chew.
- May be taken with or after meals.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting a doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you are taking.
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
Vesocal Plus is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium (dairy products, leafy greens).
- Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise for bone health.
- Ensure adequate sun exposure for natural vitamin D production, while protecting from harmful UV rays.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as they can negatively impact bone density.
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