Dicaltrol Plus 1200 mg+0.25 mcg

Description

Indications
Dicaltrol Plus tablets are used to prevent or treat calcium deficiency in individuals who do not obtain sufficient calcium from their diet. It is prescribed for conditions caused by low calcium levels, including osteoporosis (bone loss), osteomalacia (softening of bones), rickets, hypoparathyroidism (reduced activity of the parathyroid gland), and latent tetany (a muscle disorder). Additionally, it may be recommended for certain individuals, such as postmenopausal women, to ensure adequate calcium intake.

Take this medication as per the advice of a registered physician.

Composition
Each tablet contains:

• Calcium Citrate USP 1200 mg (equivalent to Calcium 252 mg)
• Calcitriol EP 0.25 mcg

Pharmacology
Calcium is an essential mineral that supports nerve function, muscle contraction, cellular activity, and bone health. When calcium levels in the blood are insufficient, the body compensates by extracting calcium from bones, leading to weakened bone structure. Maintaining adequate calcium levels is crucial for bone strength and overall health.

Calcium citrate is highly bioavailable, well-absorbed even on an empty stomach, and does not cause constipation. Unlike some other calcium salts, its absorption is less dependent on stomach acid, making it a suitable option for individuals with reduced gastric acid production.

Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3, plays a key role in enhancing intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption. It is naturally synthesized in the kidneys from 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and is vital for bone mineralization. In patients with chronic kidney disease, calcitriol production is impaired, leading to disturbances in calcium metabolism. Supplementing with calcitriol helps correct calcium absorption deficiencies, reducing symptoms of bone disorders.

The action of calcitriol is mediated by the vitamin D receptor, which regulates gene expression related to calcium metabolism. In individuals with chronic kidney disease, where glomerular filtration rate falls below 30 ml/min, calcitriol supplementation improves calcium and phosphate absorption, alleviating hypocalcemia and associated bone complications.

For patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, calcitriol enhances calcium absorption, raises circulating calcitriol levels, and reduces the risk of vertebral fractures.

Dosage & Administration
The recommended dosage is 1 to 4 tablets daily, taken with or without food, based on clinical assessment. Follow the dosage prescribed by a registered physician.

Take this medication as per the advice of a registered physician.

Drug Interactions

• Calcium may reduce the absorption of tetracyclines, quinolones, and oral bisphosphonates.
• Corticosteroids can lower calcium absorption.
• Thiazide diuretics may increase the risk of hypercalcemia and metabolic alkalosis.
• Elevated calcium levels may enhance the effects of cardiac glycosides.
• Calcium supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of erlotinib.
• The combination of calcium and paricalcitol increases the risk of hypercalcemia.
• Enzyme-inducing antiepileptics can accelerate the metabolism of vitamin D.
• In patients with renal failure, concurrent use of calcium citrate and aluminum-containing products may lead to fatal encephalopathy due to increased aluminum absorption.

Contraindications
Dicaltrol Plus should not be used in patients with:

• Hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels in the blood)
• Hypercalciuria (excess calcium in the urine)
• Hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels in the blood)

Side Effects
Possible side effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Hypercalcemia
• Hypercalciuria
• Headache
• Muscle weakness

Pregnancy & Lactation
Classified under Pregnancy Category C, Dicaltrol Plus should only be used during pregnancy or lactation under the guidance of a registered physician.

Precautions & Warnings
Use with caution in individuals with:

• Hypercalcemia
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease or kidney stones
• Sarcoidosis (an immune system disorder)
• Liver disease
• Bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease

Therapeutic Class
Specific mineral and vitamin combination preparations.

Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.