Calcicar 500 Tablet

✔️ Side Effects

• Constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Gas
• Mild stomach discomfort
• Nausea (occasionally)

✔️ Calcicar 500 mg works through three primary mechanisms:

Acid Neutralization

Calcium carbonate reacts with stomach acid to produce calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, increasing gastric pH and reducing pepsin activity. This helps relieve symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion.

Calcium Supplementation

Approximately 30% of orally administered calcium is absorbed, mainly in the duodenum and upper small intestine through both vitamin D-dependent active transport and passive diffusion. Absorbed calcium supports:

• Bone and teeth mineralization
• Muscle contraction
• Nerve transmission
• Blood clotting
• Cellular signaling

Phosphate Binding

In patients with chronic kidney disease, calcium carbonate binds dietary phosphate within the gastrointestinal tract, forming insoluble calcium phosphate that is eliminated in the stool. This lowers phosphate absorption and helps reduce the risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal bone disease.

✔️ The 1000 mg formulation is indicated for rapid relief of:

• Heartburn
• Acid indigestion
• Sour stomach
• Hyperacidity
• Upset stomach

✔️ Calcicar 500 mg should not be used in patients with:

• Hypercalcaemia
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hypercalciuria
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• Calcified or non-functioning gallbladder stones
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Digoxin therapy without appropriate monitoring of calcium levels

✔️ Dosage & Administration

250 mg / 500 mg Tablets

1000 mg Tablet

• 2000–3000 mg as needed for hyperacidity.
• May be repeated hourly if necessary or as directed by the physician.

Children

Calcicar 500 mg is safe and effective for controlling phosphate levels in children with chronic kidney disease when used under medical supervision.

Elderly

Older adults, especially those with kidney impairment, may be more prone to constipation and hypercalcaemia. Regular monitoring of calcium and phosphate levels is recommended during treatment.

✔️ Overdose

Excessive intake may lead to hypercalcaemia or milk-alkali syndrome.

Symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Metabolic alkalosis
• Reduced kidney function

Treatment consists of discontinuing the medication, maintaining adequate hydration, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and providing supportive medical care. Patients with chronic kidney disease require particularly close monitoring.

✔️ Calcicar 500 mg may interact with:

• Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides: Increased risk of arrhythmias if hypercalcaemia develops.
• Tetracycline antibiotics: Reduced absorption due to calcium binding.
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: Decreased antibiotic absorption.
• Vitamin D preparations: Increased risk of hypercalcaemia, particularly in renal impairment.
• Levothyroxine: Reduced absorption; administer several hours apart.
• Iron supplements: Calcium decreases iron absorption.
• Bisphosphonates: Reduced absorption when taken together.
• Thiazide diuretics: Increased risk of elevated blood calcium levels.

✔️ Directions for Use:

• Chew chewable tablets thoroughly before swallowing.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• When used as a phosphate binder, take with or immediately after meals.
• Separate administration from tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, iron supplements, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates by at least 2 hours.

✔️ Use Calcicar 500 mg with caution in patients with:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Sarcoidosis
• Heart disease
• Those receiving digoxin or other cardiac glycosides

During prolonged or high-dose therapy, regular monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate levels is recommended.

Excessive calcium intake, especially when combined with absorbable alkali, may rarely result in milk-alkali syndrome, characterized by hypercalcaemia, metabolic alkalosis, and kidney impairment.

✔️ Pregnancy & Lactation

Calcicar 500 mg is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used at recommended doses for calcium supplementation or relief of heartburn.

✔️ Storage:

• Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date.