Generic: Calcium Vitamin D3 Multimineral  |  Dosage Form: Tablet  |  Manufacturer: Zenith Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Indications

This preparation is indicated in-

• Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
• To maintain strong bone growth
• For proper functioning of heart, muscle and nerves
• As nutritional supplement
• For bone development and regeneration of bone
• Pregnancy & lactation
• Deficiency state of Calcium, Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese & Boron

Dosage & Administration

Adult: 1 film-coated tablet twice daily, preferably 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening or as directed by physician. It is best taken with or just after main meals with a full glass of water.

Children 3-7 years: 1 effervescent tablet daily.

7 years to older: 1 to 2 effervescent tablet daily.

Interaction

The risk of hypercalcemia should be considered in patients taking thiazide diuretics since these drugs can reduce urinary calcium excretion. Hypocalcaemia must be avoided in digitalized patients. Certain foods (e.g. those containing oxalic acid, phosphate or phytinic acid) may reduce the absorption of calcium. Concomitant treatment with phenytoin or barbiturates can decrease the effect of Vitamin-D 3 because of metabolic activation. Concomitant use of glucocorticoids can decrease the effect of Vitamin D3. The effects of digitalis and other cardiac glycosides may be attenuated with the oral administration of calcium combined with Vitamin-D 3 . Strict medical supervision is needed and, if necessary monitoring of ECG and calcium. Calcium salts may reduce the absorption of thyroxin, bisphosphonates, sodium fluoride, quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics or iron. It is advisable to allow a minimum period of four hours before taking the calcium.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications are hypercalcaemia resulting from myeloma, bone metastasis or other malignant bone disease, sarcoidosis; primary hyperparathyroidism and Vitamin-D 3 overdosage, Severe renal failure. Hypersensitivity to any of the tablet ingredients. Relative contraindications are osteoporosis due to prolonged immobilisation, renal stones, severe hypercalciuria.

Side Effects

The use of calcium supplements has rarely given rise to mild gastro-intestinal disturbances such as constipation, flatulence, nausea, gastric pain, diarrhea. Following administration of vitamin-D3 supplements occasional skin rash has been reported. Hypercalciuria and in rare cases hypercalcaemia have been seen with long term treatment at high doses.

Precautions & Warnings

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 and stop treatment temporarily if urinary calcium exceeds 7.5 mmol/24 hours. Allowances should be made for calcium and vitamin D3 supplements from other sources.

Overdose Effects

Symptoms of overdosage may include nausea and vomiting, severe drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, metallic taste, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache & constipation.

Therapeutic Class

Specific mineral & vitamin combined preparations

Storage Conditions

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.