Okical-DX Tablet

Uses of Okical-DX

• Calcium and vitamin D deficiency
• Calcium and vitamin D supplements
• Osteoporosis.

How does Okical-DX work?

Calcium and vitamin D3 play crucial roles in maintaining overall health, particularly in regard to bone health and mineral balance.

Calcium is a vital component of bones, contributing to their strength and density. It also serves as a co-factor in various enzymatic reactions within the body. Furthermore, calcium is essential for proper neurotransmission (communication between nerve cells), muscle contraction, and various signal transduction pathways that control various cellular processes.

Vitamin D3, which is a fat-soluble sterol, plays a critical role in regulating calcium and phosphate homeostasis. It aids in bone mineralization, which is the process of depositing minerals, particularly calcium, into the bone matrix to maintain bone structure and strength. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, which is then utilized for various bodily functions, including bone health.

Side Effects of Okical-DX

• Anorexia
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels)
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Acid rebound
• Milk-alkali syndrome
• Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels)
• Muscle/bone pain
• Metallic taste
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

Benefits:

• Incorporate dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, or milk-based custard into your diet.
• Consume a daily serving of vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.
• Include excellent dietary sources of vitamin D, such as fish liver oils and vitamin D–fortified milk.
• Snack on calcium-rich nuts like Brazil nuts or almonds.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds over your food, vegetables, and salads, as they are rich in calcium.
• Reduce or avoid the consumption of caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol, as they can hinder calcium absorption.
• Replace meat with tofu or tempeh, which provide additional calcium in your diet.
• Regularly monitor your vitamin D levels through blood examination to ensure optimal levels. This can help you adjust your dietary habits and supplements as needed.

Indication

Calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation helps prevent or treat negative calcium balance, ensuring that the body has an adequate supply of this essential mineral. This is important for various physiological processes, including nerve and muscle function, as well as maintaining normal cardiac (heart) function.

Pharmacology

The product contains a combination of calcium and vitamin D3, utilizing calcium carbonate sourced from corals. This calcium carbonate shares a chemical structure akin to that of human bones. Calcium from coral exhibits a similarity to other sources but boasts improved absorption rates. Vitamin D3 enhances the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and contributes to sustaining a balanced calcium level within the body.

Dosage & Administration of Okical-DX

One tablet once or twice daily with plenty of water or as directed by the physician. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Taking in a full stomach ensures better absorption.

Interaction

• Tetracycline Interaction: Using this supplement together with tetracycline antibiotics may impact the absorption of tetracycline. It's advisable to avoid taking them simultaneously.
• Systemic Corticosteroids: Concurrent use of this supplement and systemic corticosteroids (such as prednisone) can reduce the absorption of calcium. Be cautious when using them together.
• Thiazide Diuretics: Thiazide diuretics, often used to manage high blood pressure, can lead to decreased urinary excretion of calcium. Monitoring calcium levels is important if taking both medications.
• Ion-Exchange Resins: Using this supplement alongside ion-exchange resins may reduce the gastrointestinal absorption of vitamin D. Be aware of this potential interaction.
• Hypercalcaemia and Cardiac Glycosides: Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) during treatment with this supplement may increase the toxicity of cardiac glycosides, which are medications affecting heart function. Monitor ECG and serum calcium levels closely.
• Bisphosphonate or Sodium Fluoride: If taking bisphosphonate medications (for conditions like osteoporosis) or sodium fluoride, administer them at least 3 hours before calcium-containing preparations.

Contraindications

• Hypercalcemia and Hyperparathyroidism: Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood. Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, which can lead to elevated calcium levels. Using this supplement in individuals with these conditions may further increase calcium levels and exacerbate the problem.
• Hypercalciuria and Nephrolithiasis: Hypercalciuria refers to excessive calcium excretion in urine. Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones, can result from the accumulation of excess calcium and other minerals in the urinary tract. In individuals with a history of hypercalciuria or kidney stones, the use of this supplement might contribute to the formation of new stones.
• Hypersensitivity to Components: If someone has a known hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the components present in this supplement, it's important to avoid its use to prevent adverse reactions.
• Severe Renal Insufficiencies: Individuals with severe kidney insufficiencies, where the kidneys have reduced function, might have difficulty processing calcium and other minerals properly. Using this supplement in such cases could potentially worsen the condition.

Pregnancy & Lactation

This medicine can be used by pregnant and lactating women as recommended by your doctor.

Precautions & Warnings

• Caution in Specific Conditions: Calcium salts should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions. These conditions include sarcoidosis, renal (kidney) disease, and cardiac (heart) disease. Also, patients who are taking cardiac glycosides (medications that affect heart rhythm) need to be cautious when using calcium supplements.
• History of Stone Formation: Patients with a history of kidney stone formation should be advised to increase their fluid intake. This helps dilute the urine and reduce the risk of stone formation related to excess calcium.
• Lactation: The supplement's components are distributed in human breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, it's advisable to discuss with your healthcare provider whether you should supplement with calcium and vitamin D according to the recommended daily allowance.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy and lactation, it's important to ensure that you are getting the recommended daily allowance of calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for both maternal and fetal health. Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if additional supplementation is necessary.

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature of below 30°C, and protect from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.