Maacal-D500 mg+200 IU

Maacal-D is a calcium supplement (calcium carbonate derived from eggshell, a naturally sourced calcium salt) combined with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) to enhance intestinal calcium absorption. It is indicated for:

Established uses

• Prevention and treatment of dietary calcium deficiency in adults and children who cannot obtain adequate calcium from diet alone.
• Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency when combined with a calcium source.
• Adjunctive therapy (used together with other osteoporosis-specific agents, e.g. bisphosphonates) in the prevention and management of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and age-related bone loss, particularly in post-menopausal women and older adults.
• Supportive treatment in osteomalacia and rickets, alongside physician-directed management of the underlying cause.

Guideline-supported / adjunct uses

• As an adjunct in the management of hypoparathyroidism, under physician supervision, when additional calcium and vitamin D are required to maintain normal serum calcium.
• To meet increased calcium and vitamin D requirements during pregnancy and lactation, as advised by a physician.

Note: Maacal-D is a supplement, not a substitute for prescribed osteoporosis-specific therapy when that has been recommended by a physician.

Each tablet/formulation of Calcium Carbonate [Eggshell source] + Vitamin D3 typically contains calcium carbonate sourced from purified, processed eggshell (a rich, naturally occurring source of calcium carbonate) together with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Common commercial strengths include calcium carbonate 500 mg or 600 mg (equivalent to a defined amount of elemental calcium) combined with vitamin D3 200 IU or 400 IU. Exact strength varies by brand and formulation; refer to the specific product label for the exact amount of elemental calcium and vitamin D3 per unit.

Maacal-D combines a natural, eggshell-derived source of calcium carbonate with vitamin D3. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining bone mineral density, and also plays a role in normal muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. When dietary calcium intake is insufficient, the body draws calcium from the skeleton to maintain blood calcium levels, which over time can weaken bone.

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is required for efficient absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and for maintaining normal serum calcium and phosphate concentrations, which supports normal bone mineralization. Combining calcium carbonate with vitamin D3 in one formulation improves the efficiency of calcium utilization compared with calcium alone.

Maacal-D belongs to the therapeutic class of calcium supplements combined with vitamin D analogues, used in the management of calcium and vitamin D deficiency states and as an adjunct in metabolic bone disease.

Calcium Carbonate [Eggshell source] + Vitamin D3 works through two complementary mechanisms:

• Calcium carbonate: Dissociates in the acidic environment of the stomach to release calcium ions, which are absorbed primarily in the small intestine via active vitamin D-dependent transport and passive paracellular diffusion. Absorbed calcium is incorporated into bone mineral (hydroxyapatite) and is also used for neuromuscular signaling, enzyme activity, and coagulation.
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): Is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and then in the kidney to the active hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), which increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, promotes renal calcium reabsorption, and supports normal osteoblast/osteoclast-mediated bone remodeling.

Together, the combination increases net calcium absorption and availability for bone mineralization more effectively than calcium supplementation alone.

Take Maacal-D tablets orally, preferably with food to enhance calcium absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water; do not chew unless the product is specifically formulated as a chewable tablet.

Maacal-D has the following clinically significant interactions:

• Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Calcium chelates with these antibiotics, reducing their absorption and efficacy. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
• Levothyroxine: Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption. Administer levothyroxine at least 4 hours apart from Maacal-D.
• Bisphosphonates: Calcium reduces bisphosphonate absorption; separate dosing as directed (typically bisphosphonate taken first, fasting, with plain water).
• Thiazide diuretics: Concurrent use may increase risk of hypercalcemia due to reduced renal calcium excretion.
• Digoxin: Hypercalcemia (from excessive calcium intake) may potentiate digoxin toxicity and increase risk of cardiac arrhythmia.
• Corticosteroids: May reduce calcium absorption and increase calcium/vitamin D requirement.

Maacal-D is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects include:

• Common: Constipation, bloating, gas, mild gastrointestinal upset, or belching (related to the calcium carbonate component).
• Less common: Nausea, dry mouth, headache.
• Rare (usually with excessive/prolonged intake): Hypercalcemia (symptoms may include fatigue, confusion, excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea/vomiting), kidney stones, and milk-alkali syndrome.

Calcium and vitamin D requirements increase during pregnancy and lactation, and Maacal-D is commonly used to help meet these needs. However, Maacal-D should be used only if clearly needed and under the guidance of a physician, who can determine the appropriate dose based on dietary intake and individual requirements, since excessive vitamin D or calcium intake during pregnancy has been associated with risk to the fetus/infant (e.g. hypercalcemia). Consult a physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Use Maacal-D with caution in the following situations:

• Renal impairment or history of kidney stones: Increased risk of calcium accumulation and stone formation; use only under medical supervision, and ensure adequate fluid intake.
• Sarcoidosis or other granulomatous disease: These conditions can cause abnormal vitamin D metabolism and increased sensitivity to vitamin D, raising the risk of hypercalcemia.
• Egg allergy: Because the calcium carbonate in Maacal-D is derived from eggshell, patients with a known egg allergy should use this product with caution and consult a physician, although eggshell itself typically contains negligible egg-protein allergens compared with egg white/yolk.
• Long-term or high-dose use: May lead to hypercalcemia or milk-alkali syndrome; periodic monitoring of serum calcium is advisable with prolonged use.
• Concomitant use with digoxin or drugs affected by calcium (see Interactions): Monitor as clinically indicated.

Overdose of Maacal-D can cause hypercalcemia, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, confusion, excessive thirst, frequent urination, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmia or kidney impairment. Excessive vitamin D intake can compound this risk. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center/emergency services; do not attempt specific home treatment.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Elderly: Commonly used in older adults for prevention of osteoporosis-related bone loss; standard adult dosing generally applies, with attention to renal function.

Renal impairment: Use with caution; increased risk of hypercalcemia and calcium accumulation (see Contraindications for severe impairment).

Hepatic impairment: No specific dose adjustment is established, but vitamin D activation may be reduced in significant hepatic disease; use under physician guidance.

Children: Use under physician direction with dosing individualized to age and weight (see Pediatric Uses).

Duration of treatment with Maacal-D depends on the indication and underlying calcium/vitamin D status; it may range from short-term supplementation to correct a deficiency to long-term use for osteoporosis prevention, as determined and periodically reviewed by a physician.

Calcium supplement (eggshell-derived calcium carbonate) in combination with vitamin D analogue (cholecalciferol).

Calcium Carbonate [Eggshell source] + Vitamin D3 raises serum calcium availability through direct calcium supplementation (calcium carbonate) while vitamin D3 is converted in the liver and kidney to its active hormonal form, calcitriol, which increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and supports normal bone mineralization and remodeling.

Maacal-D may be used in children under physician direction for correction of calcium or vitamin D deficiency, including in the management of rickets. Dosing must be individualized based on age, body weight, and severity of deficiency. Safety and efficacy of specific over-the-counter tablet strengths have not been formally established for very young children (e.g., under 4 years), and pediatric use should always be supervised by a physician. Chewable or liquid formulations may be more appropriate for young children who cannot swallow tablets.