Calcium/cholecalciferol

Calcium/cholecalciferol is a combination of a calcium salt (usually calcium carbonate) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It is used to prevent and treat lack of calcium and vitamin D in the elderly, as well for osteoporosis in combination with other medications.[1][2]

Calcium/cholecalciferol
Combination of
CalciumMineral nutrient
CholecalciferolVitamin
Clinical data
Trade namesCalcitrate with D, Citracal + D, others
AHFS/Drugs.comMultum Consumer Information
Pregnancy
category
  • US: C (Risk not ruled out)
    Routes of
    administration    		By mouth
    ATC code
    Legal status
    Legal status

    In 2016 it was the 183rd most prescribed medication in the United States with more than 3 million prescriptions.[3] It is available under many brand names and in many forms such as chewable tablets, coated tablets, and effervescent tablets.

    Adverse effects

    Possible side effects include gastrointestinal problems, for example nausea and constipation. If very high doses are taken, signs of hypercalcaemia (abnormally high blood calcium levels) have been described, such as stomach pain, vomiting, thirst, and tiredness. Extreme or long-term or overdose can theoretically result in hypervitaminosis D, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and calcinosis.[1][2]

    Interactions

    Calcium forms complexes with a number of pharmaceutical drugs, reducing their bioavailability; among them are tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates, as well as iron, magnesium and zinc supplements. Vitamin D in usual doses has no relevant interactions.[2]

    References
    1. Multum Consumer Information on calcium and vitamin D combinations.
    2. Haberfeld, H, ed. (2015). Austria-Codex (in German). Vienna: Österreichischer Apothekerverlag. Cal-D-Vita-Kautabletten.
    3. "The Top 300 of 2019". clincalc.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
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