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Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 is a combined mineral and vitamin supplement in which calcium carbonate supplies elemental calcium and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) promotes intestinal…

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About Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3

Indications of Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 is a combined mineral and vitamin supplement in which calcium carbonate supplies elemental calcium and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) promotes intestinal absorption of that calcium. It is used for the following indications, classified by strength of evidence:

Established / Guideline-Supported Uses

  • Prevention and treatment of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, including dietary insufficiency, in adults and children who cannot meet requirements through diet alone.
  • Adjunct in the prevention and management of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women, elderly individuals, and patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, where Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 is used together with (not as a replacement for) specific anti-osteoporotic therapy such as bisphosphonates when indicated.
  • Supportive therapy in osteomalacia and rickets due to nutritional calcium/vitamin D deficiency.
  • Calcium/vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation when dietary intake is inadequate, as directed by a physician.

Adjunct / Combination-Therapy Uses

  • As a calcium and vitamin D supplement alongside disease-specific treatment in secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with vitamin D deficiency, and as a calcium supplement in chronic kidney disease under medical supervision (used together with, not instead of, phosphate binders or active vitamin D analogues where those are separately indicated).

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 does not treat the underlying cause of bone disease and is not a substitute for prescription osteoporosis medication when that is required; it is intended to correct or prevent deficiency and to support bone health as directed by a physician.

Dosage & Administration of Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3

Adult Dose

IndicationTypical Adult Dosage
Calcium/vitamin D deficiency, dietary supplementation500–600 mg elemental calcium with 200–400 IU vitamin D3, once or twice daily, depending on product strength and dietary intake
Adjunct in osteoporosis prevention/management (postmenopausal women, elderly)500–600 mg elemental calcium with 200–400 IU vitamin D3 twice daily (total elemental calcium ~1000–1200 mg/day and vitamin D3 ~400–800 IU/day), individualized to total dietary calcium intake
Pregnancy and lactation (as directed by physician)As advised based on dietary intake and local antenatal care guidance; do not exceed physician-recommended dose

Pediatric Dose

Use in children should be guided by a pediatrician; dosing is weight- and age-based and depends on the specific product formulation (e.g. chewable tablet or syrup) and its elemental calcium/vitamin D3 content per dose. See Use in Special Populations and Pediatric Uses.

Renal Impairment

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 should be used with caution and under medical supervision in patients with renal impairment, as this population is at increased risk of hypercalcemia; dose and serum calcium/phosphate should be monitored by the treating physician. It is contraindicated in severe renal impairment/renal failure with hypercalcemia risk (see Contraindications).

Administration

Take Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 with or immediately after food, as gastric acid released during a meal improves calcium carbonate dissolution and absorption. Swallow tablets with water; chewable formulations should be chewed before swallowing. If more than one dose per day is prescribed, divide doses evenly through the day for better absorption and tolerability.

Side Effects of Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Reported adverse effects include:

  • Common: constipation, bloating, flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal upset.
  • Less common: nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and increased thirst.
  • Rare (usually with excessive/prolonged high-dose use): hypercalcemia (symptoms may include increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, muscle weakness, confusion), hypercalciuria, and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). See Precautions and Warnings.

Contraindications of Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Known hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate, vitamin D3, or any excipient of the product.
  • Hypercalcemia or conditions associated with hypercalcemia.
  • Hypervitaminosis D.
  • Severe renal impairment/renal failure with associated hypercalcemia risk.
  • Hypercalciuria and calcium nephrolithiasis (a history of calcium-containing kidney stones is an absolute contraindication to supplemental calcium in this combination).

Frequently Asked Questions about Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3

What is Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 used for?

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 is used to prevent and treat calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and as an adjunct in the prevention and management of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women, the elderly, and people with inadequate dietary calcium intake.

How should I take Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3?

Take Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 with or immediately after a meal, as gastric acid improves absorption of the calcium carbonate. Follow the dose and frequency advised by your physician or pharmacist, and do not exceed the recommended dose.

Can Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, including Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3, is commonly used and considered beneficial during pregnancy and lactation at recommended doses, but it should be used only as directed by a physician, since individual dosage needs vary and excessive intake should be avoided.

Who should not take Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3?

Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 should not be taken by people with hypercalcemia, hypervitaminosis D, severe renal impairment, a history of calcium-containing kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), or known hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate or vitamin D3.

Does Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 interact with other medicines?

Yes. Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 can reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, and levothyroxine if taken together, so these should be dosed several hours apart. It can also increase the risk of hypercalcemia when combined with thiazide diuretics, other vitamin D products, or excess calcium supplements, and can increase digoxin toxicity risk during hypercalcemia. See Interaction for details.

What happens if I take too much Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3?

Taking too much Calcium Carbonate [Elemental] + Vitamin D3 over time can cause hypercalcemia and hypervitaminosis D, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and muscle weakness. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency/poison control services rather than treating it at home.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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