INTRODUCTION

CALCITAB TABLET contains Calcium carbonate and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) which belongs to the group of medicines called Calcium supplements and Vitamin derivatives respectively. It is used to prevent and treat calcium deficiency (low levels of calcium in blood).

Low levels of calcium are associated with poor dietary intake of calcium, mainly seen during pregnancy and lactation. CALCITAB TABLET is also used for the treatment of osteoporosis (bones become brittle and fragile), osteomalacia (softening of bones), rickets (abnormal calcification, softening and distortion of the bones typically resulting in bowlegs) and hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormones).

Patients undergoing treatment with CALCITAB TABLET will be asked to monitor their plasma levels of calcium frequently to avoid hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels).

CALCITAB TABLET can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding only if advised by the doctor. However, consult your doctor before taking to understand required dosages that helps to prevent hypercalcemia and reduce the harm of the baby.

CALCITAB TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with hypervitaminosis D (increased levels of vitamin D in blood), kidney stones, diseases that increases calcium levels in blood and urine (Ex. hyperparathyroidism).

CALCITAB TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with sarcoidosis (growth of tiny collection of inflammatory cells or granulomas in any part of the body), immobilised patients with osteoporosis (brittle bones), malignancies (abnormal growth of cells) and impaired renal function.   

The most common side effects of taking CALCITAB TABLET includes nausea, vomiting, constipation, excess gas, dry mouth, loss of hunger and acid refluxes. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF CALCITAB TABLET

Used to prevent and treat:

• low levels of calcium in blood (mainly occurs during pregnancy and lactation period)
• osteoporosis (brittle bones)
• osteomalacia (softening of bones)
• rickets (abnormal calcification, softening and distortion of the bones typically resulting in bowlegs)
• hypoparathyroidism
• malnutrition due to poor nutritional intake

HOW CALCITAB TABLET WORKS

CALCITAB TABLET contains vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate. Vitamin D3 helps to enhance the intestinal absorption of calcium. Calcium carbonate acts as a calcium supplement. Combination of calcium carbonate and Vitamin D3 helps to counteract the increase in parathyroid hormone that is caused by calcium deficiency and which causes increased bone resorption (destruction of bone tissue that promotes bone loss). This helps to strengthen the bones, teeth and muscle functions.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take CALCITAB TABLET as advised by your doctor. Swallow CALCITAB TABLET with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine unless your doctor has advised you to do. Your doctor will decide the correct dose, duration of treatment based upon your age, body weight and severity of present conditions.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CALCITAB TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Take CALCITAB TABLET with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Dry mouth:

Sip water regularly and other sugar free liquids. Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol because they can make your mouth dry, use mouthwash that is used only for dry mouth. Limit your caffeine intake. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.   

Loss of appetite:

Eat when you feel hungry. Eat smaller meals frequently than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack which is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts.

Constipation:

Take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Before taking CALCITAB TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• thiazide diuretics (medicines used to treat high blood pressure. Ex. chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide)
• corticosteroids (medicine used to treat inflammations in various parts of the body Ex. prednisolone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone)
• cholestyramine (used to treat high cholesterol levels)
• laxatives such as paraffin oil (medicine used to treat constipation)
• tetracyclines (used to treat bacterial infections)
• cardiac glycosides such as digoxin, digitoxin (medicines used to treat heart diseases)
• bisphosphonate or sodium fluoride (medicine used to treat bone diseases)
• levothyroxine (medicine used to treat thyroid diseases)
• quinolone antibiotics (medicines used to treat bacterial infection. Ex. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
• oxalic acid and phytic acid supplements
• rifampicin (medicine used to treat tuberculosis)
• phenytoin and barbiturates such as phenobarbital (medicine used to treat fits)
• iron, zinc or strontium supplements

B. Drug – Food interactions:

Avoid taking CALCITAB TABLET along with oxalic and phytic acid-rich foods like spinach, bran, whole cereals, etc. Do not take within two hours of eating foods high in oxalic acid and phytic acid.

Overdosage: 

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of CALCITAB TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdosage includes loss of appetite, thirst, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, mental disturbances, frequent urination, bone pain, kidney stones and in severe cases it may cause cardiac arrhythmias. Extreme hypercalcaemia may result in coma and death. Persistently high calcium levels may lead to irreversible kidney damage and soft tissue calcification (symptoms of increased levels of calcium and vitamin D3 in blood) and alkaline urine, increased calcium levels in urine that results to kidney stones and causing sequelae such as pancreatitis and kidney failure (symptoms of Milk-alkali syndrome).

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep CALCITAB TABLET out of reach of children
• Store CALCITAB TABLET at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT CALCITAB TABLET

What is CALCITAB TABLET used for?

CALCITAB TABLET is used to prevent and treat calcium deficiency. Low levels of calcium are seen mainly during pregnancy and lactation. CALCITAB TABLET is also used for the treatment of osteoporosis (bones become brittle and fragile), osteomalacia (softening of bones), rickets (abnormal calcification, softening and distortion of the bones typically resulting in bowlegs), hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormones). Consult doctor before taking CALCITAB TABLET.

How does CALCITAB TABLET work?

CALCITAB TABLET contains vitamin D3 and calcium carbonate. Vitamin D3 helps to enhance the intestinal absorption of calcium. Calcium carbonate acts as a calcium supplement. Combination of calcium carbonate and Vitamin D3 helps to counteract the increase in parathyroid hormone that is caused by calcium deficiency and which causes increased bone resorption (destruction of bone tissue that promotes bone loss). This helps to strengthen the bones, teeth and muscle functions.

What are the common side effects of taking CALCITAB TABLET?

The most common side effects of taking CALCITAB TABLET includes nausea, vomiting, constipation, excess gas, dry mouth, loss of hunger and acid refluxes. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen. 

Can CALCITAB TABLET be used in patients with kidney problems?

CALCITAB TABLET is not recommended to be taken for patients diagnosed with kidney stones, increased levels of calcium in urine or blood and severe kidney impairment. CALCITAB TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with impaired renal function. Consult your doctor before taking CALCITAB TABLET.

Can CALCITAB TABLET be used during pregnancy?

CALCITAB TABLET can be used during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for the required dosage for you as overdosage of CALCITAB TABLET may lead to retardation of physical and mental health, retinal diseases and heart defect (supravalvular aortic stenosis) in the developing baby.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi. Hormones and Drugs affecting Calcium balance. Essentials of Medical pharmacology eighth edition (2019), Page number – 366-368.

2. Kristina Fritz; Katherine Taylor; Mayur Parmar. Calcium Carbonate. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National center for Biotechnology information. StatPearls. [Revised in August 2022] [Accessed on 28th November 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562303/

3. Acme Formulation Private Limited. Calflash (1000,2000) (Calcium carbonate + Vitamin D3). Torrent Pharma. [Accessed on 28th November 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2536.pdf

4. Acme Formulation Private Limited. Calflash (500) (Calcium carbonate + Vitamin D3). Torrent Pharma. [Accessed on 28th November 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2305.pdf

5. Mestra pharma Pvt Ltd. Calmy Chewable Tablet. [Accessed on 28th November 2022] https://www.mestrapharma.com/product/calmy/

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Blood calcium count
• Thyroid test-T3, T4 and TSH