Phytocal DX600 mg+400 IU

Phytocal DX is a calcium and vitamin D combination supplement indicated for the following:

• Established/first-line use: Prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency states in adults and children, including dietary calcium insufficiency.
• Guideline-supported use: Adjunct to calcium and vitamin D intake as part of an overall regimen for the prevention and management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and older adults, alongside weight-bearing exercise and, when prescribed, specific anti-osteoporotic therapy (e.g., bisphosphonates).
• Adjunct use: Supportive calcium/vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and lactation when dietary intake is inadequate, as advised by a physician.
• Supportive use: Correction of mild vitamin D insufficiency when combined with calcium supplementation, and as an adjunct in the management of conditions associated with increased calcium requirement (e.g., certain metabolic bone disorders), under medical supervision.

Phytocal DX does not replace specific prescription therapy for osteoporosis or other bone diseases; it is used as a nutritional adjunct.

Each unit of Calcium Carbonate [Algae source] + Vitamin D3 typically contains:

• Calcium Carbonate (derived from algae/marine algae source, e.g., Lithothamnium species) — providing elemental calcium (commonly around 500-600 mg elemental calcium per dose, depending on formulation strength)
• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) — commonly 200-400 IU per dose, depending on formulation strength

Exact strengths vary by brand and formulation; refer to the product label for the specific amount of elemental calcium and vitamin D3 per tablet/capsule/sachet.

Phytocal DX is an oral calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. The calcium carbonate component in this formulation is sourced from marine algae (a naturally mineralized, calcium-rich algal source), which is marketed as a naturally derived alternative to conventional mined or synthetic calcium carbonate. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is included to enhance intestinal absorption of calcium and support normal bone mineralization.

Phytocal DX is commonly used to prevent and treat calcium deficiency and to support bone health, particularly in individuals with inadequate dietary calcium and vitamin D intake, postmenopausal women, and older adults.

Phytocal DX belongs to the therapeutic class of calcium supplements combined with vitamin D analogues, used in the management of calcium and vitamin D deficiency and as an adjunct in bone metabolism disorders.

Calcium Carbonate: Calcium carbonate dissociates in the acidic environment of the stomach to release calcium ions, which are absorbed primarily in the duodenum and proximal jejunum via both active (vitamin D-dependent) and passive transport. Calcium is essential for bone mineralization, neuromuscular function, cardiac function, blood coagulation, and enzymatic processes. The algae-derived source provides a naturally occurring, multi-mineral matrix form of calcium carbonate.

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol): Vitamin D3 is hydroxylated in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and further in the kidney to the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol). Calcitriol increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, regulates calcium homeostasis via interaction with parathyroid hormone, and promotes normal bone mineralization.

Together, the components of Calcium Carbonate [Algae source] + Vitamin D3 work synergistically: vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption from the calcium carbonate component, improving overall calcium utilization and bone health support.

Take Phytocal DX orally, preferably with meals, to maximize calcium absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset. Swallow tablets with a full glass of water unless the product is formulated as a chewable tablet. If taking other medications known to interact with calcium (see Interactions), separate dosing by the recommended interval.

Phytocal DX has clinically significant interactions with the following:

• Tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, ciprofloxacin): Calcium chelates with these antibiotics, forming insoluble complexes that significantly reduce antibiotic absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
• Levothyroxine: Calcium carbonate can reduce levothyroxine absorption. Administer levothyroxine at least 4 hours apart from Phytocal DX.
• Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate): Calcium significantly reduces bisphosphonate absorption; separate dosing by at least 30-60 minutes, per bisphosphonate labeling.
• Thiazide diuretics: Concurrent use may increase the risk of hypercalcemia due to reduced renal calcium excretion.
• Digoxin: Hypercalcemia from excessive calcium intake may potentiate digoxin-induced cardiac arrhythmias; use with caution and monitor.
• Corticosteroids: May reduce calcium absorption; dose adjustment of calcium supplementation may be needed with long-term corticosteroid use.
• Iron, zinc, and certain other mineral supplements: Calcium may reduce absorption of concurrently administered iron or zinc; separate dosing when possible.

Phytocal DX is generally well tolerated when taken at recommended doses. Reported side effects include:

• Common: Constipation, bloating, flatulence, mild gastrointestinal upset, belching
• Less common: Nausea, dry mouth, headache
• Rare (typically associated with excessive/prolonged intake): Hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, milk-alkali syndrome, nephrocalcinosis

Patients should seek medical advice if symptoms of hypercalcemia occur (see Overdose Effects).

Calcium and vitamin D3 are important nutrients during pregnancy and lactation, and Phytocal DX may be used when dietary intake is inadequate and a physician determines supplementation is appropriate. As with any supplement, Phytocal DX should be used only if clearly needed, at doses that do not exceed recommended nutrient intake levels, since excessive vitamin D and calcium intake during pregnancy has been associated with potential risk to the fetus (e.g., hypercalcemia). Consult a physician before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and do not exceed the physician-recommended dose.

Use Phytocal DX with caution in the following situations:

• Patients with a history of renal calculi (kidney stones) or renal impairment — monitor renal function and urinary calcium excretion.
• Patients with sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, or other conditions associated with abnormal vitamin D metabolism or increased sensitivity to vitamin D, due to increased risk of hypercalcemia.
• Patients taking other vitamin D or calcium-containing products concurrently, to avoid cumulative excessive intake.
• Prolonged high-dose use should be avoided without periodic monitoring of serum calcium and renal function.
• See Interactions and Contraindications sections for additional important safety information.

Overdose of Phytocal DX can lead to hypercalcemia and, rarely, hypervitaminosis D. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, increased urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias or renal impairment.

If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services/poison control. Do not attempt to manage a suspected overdose at home without professional guidance.

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

Renal impairment: Use Phytocal DX with caution in patients with renal impairment due to increased risk of hypercalcemia and metastatic calcification; avoid in severe renal impairment (see Contraindications).

Hepatic impairment: No specific dose adjustment is generally required for hepatic impairment, but caution is advised given the role of the liver in vitamin D metabolism.

Elderly: Commonly used in this population for osteoporosis prevention; renal function should be periodically assessed.

Pediatric: Safety and efficacy of this specific fixed-dose combination have not been well established in young children; use only under pediatric medical supervision with age-appropriate dosing.

Duration of treatment with Phytocal DX depends on the indication. For calcium/vitamin D deficiency, treatment typically continues until deficiency is corrected and dietary intake is adequate, as guided by a physician. For osteoporosis prevention or adjunct management, Phytocal DX is often used long-term (months to years) alongside other prescribed therapy, with periodic monitoring of serum calcium levels. Follow the treating physician's guidance regarding duration.

Calcium supplement with Vitamin D3 (combination mineral and vitamin supplement)

Calcium Carbonate [Algae source] + Vitamin D3 acts through two complementary mechanisms: the calcium carbonate component supplies elemental calcium, which is absorbed in the small intestine to maintain serum calcium levels required for bone mineralization, neuromuscular transmission, and cellular signaling. The vitamin D3 component is converted in the body to its active metabolite, calcitriol, which upregulates intestinal calcium-binding proteins and calcium channels, thereby enhancing intestinal absorption of the co-administered calcium and supporting normal bone remodeling and mineral homeostasis.

Phytocal DX may be used in children for the prevention or treatment of calcium and vitamin D deficiency, under pediatric medical supervision, with dosing individualized to the child's age, weight, and degree of deficiency. Safety and efficacy of this specific fixed-dose combination product have not been formally established in infants and very young children; age-appropriate formulations and physician guidance should be used. Chewable or liquid forms may be more suitable for pediatric use where available.