Composition
Each tablet contains Calcium carbonate BP 1.25 gm equivalent to 500 mg of elemental Calcium and Vitamin D3 (Colecalciferol) BP 200 IU.
Pharmacology
Calcium is an essential element and plays vital roles in the body. It helps body’s framework stronger by building bone. Clinical evidence suggests that calcium is useful for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and associated fractures. Vitamin-D is also essential for healthy bones as it aids in calcium absorption from the GI tract. In addition to this it stimulates bone formation. Controlled clinical studies shows that calcium and vitamin-D has synergistic effects on bone growth as well as in osteoporosis and fracture prevention.
Indication
Calcium A&D (Calcium + Vitamin D3) is used in the
- Treatment of osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia, tetany and hypoparathyroidism• In pregnancy & lactation due to increase demand
• In kidney disease and pancreatitis
• During therapy with antiseizure medications
• The prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency or vitamin D deficiency especially in the housebound and institutionalized elderly subjects.
Dose & Administration
Adults and Elderly and children above 12 years of age: 2 tablets per day, preferably one tablet each morning and evening.
Children: Not recommended for children under 12 years.
Contraindication
Calcium A&D (Calcium + Vitamin D3) is contraindicated in case of hypercalcaemia, hyperthyroidism, renal calculi & nephrolithiasis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
Warining & Precaution
Patients with mild to moderate renal failure or mild hypercalciuria should be supervised carefully. Periodic checks of plasma calcium levels and urinary calcium excretion should be made in patients with mild to moderate renal failure or mild hypercalciuria. Urinary calcium excretion should also be measured. In patients with a history of renal stones urinary calcium excretion should be measured to exclude hypercalciuria. With long-term treatment it is advisable to monitor serum and urinary calcium levels and kidney function, and reduce or stop treatment temporarily if urinary calcium exceeds 7.5 mmol/24 hours. Allowances should be made for calcium and vitamin D supplements from other sources.
Side Effects
The use of calcium supplements has, rarely, given rise to mild gastro-intestinal disturbances, such as constipation, flatulence, nausea, gastric pain, diarrhoea. Following administration of vitamin D supplements occasional skin rash has been reported. Hypercalciuria, and in rare cases hypercalcaemia have been seen with long term treatment at high dosages.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation
During pregnancy and lactation treatment should always be under the direction of a physician. During pregnancy and lactation, requirements for calcium and vitamin D are increased but in deciding on the required supplementation allowances should be made for availability of these agents from other sources. If calcium iron supplements are both required to be administered to the patient, they should be taken at different times. Overdoses of vitamin D have shown teratogenic effects in pregnant animals. In humans, long term hypercalcaemia can lead to physical and mental retardation, aortic stenosis and retinopathy in a new born child. Vitamin D and its metabolites pass into the breast milk.
Over Dose
The most serious consequence of acute or chronic overdose is hypercalcaemia due to vitamin D toxicity. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, polyuria, and constipation. Chronic overdoses can lead to vascular and organ calcification as a result of hypercalcaemia. Treatment should consist of stopping all intakes of calcium and vitamin D and rehydration.
Storage
Store in a cool & dry place below 30º C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Packing
Calcium A&D Tablet: 30 & 15 tablets in HDPE container.
