CIPCAL 500 (Calcium Carbonate (500mg) + Vitamin D3 (250iu))

CIPCAL 500 TAB is a commonly used dietary supplement containing Calcium Carbonate (500mg) and Vitamin D3 (250 IU – International Units, also known as Cholecalciferol). This combination is vital for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and for preventing or treating conditions associated with calcium and vitamin D deficiency.

Key Components and Their Roles:

1. Calcium Carbonate (500mg Elemental Calcium Equivalent):
   • Role: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is essential for numerous physiological functions, most notably for the formation, strength, and maintenance of bones and teeth. It also plays crucial roles in nerve transmission, muscle function (including heart muscle), blood clotting, and cellular signaling.
   • Mechanism: When the body doesn’t get enough calcium from the diet, it draws calcium from the bones to maintain necessary blood levels, which can lead to weakened bones over time. Supplemental calcium helps to replenish these stores. Calcium carbonate is a common and effective form of calcium supplement.
2. Vitamin D3 (250 IU / Cholecalciferol):
   • Role: Vitamin D3 is crucial for the body’s ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus from the intestines. Without adequate Vitamin D, calcium cannot be properly absorbed, regardless of dietary intake. It also supports bone mineralization, cell growth, neuromuscular function, immune function, and reduction of inflammation.
   • Mechanism: Vitamin D3 helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, ensuring that calcium is available for bone formation and other bodily functions. It’s often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because the skin produces it upon exposure to sunlight.

How CIPCAL 500 TAB Works Together:

The combination of Calcium Carbonate and Vitamin D3 in CIPCAL 500 TAB is synergistic:

• The Calcium provides the building blocks for strong bones.
• The Vitamin D3 ensures that this calcium is efficiently absorbed from the digestive tract and utilized by the body to strengthen bones and teeth.

Key Uses of CIPCAL 500 TAB:

CIPCAL 500 TAB is primarily used for:

• Treatment and prevention of Calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies: This is common in individuals with insufficient dietary intake, limited sun exposure, or malabsorption issues.
• Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, often seen in older adults and postmenopausal women. CIPCAL 500 helps to improve bone density and reduce fracture risk.
• Osteomalacia/Rickets: Softening and weakening of bones, especially in children (rickets) due to severe vitamin D deficiency.
• Hypoparathyroidism: A condition where the parathyroid glands produce low levels of calcium in the body.
• Latent Tetany: Muscle disease with low blood calcium levels, causing cramps and spasms.
• Supplementation for Special Populations:
  • Elderly individuals: Who may have reduced calcium absorption and vitamin D synthesis.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Who have increased calcium and vitamin D requirements for both their own health and the developing baby.
  • Individuals taking certain medications that can affect calcium levels (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, prednisone).

Important Usage Instructions & Warnings for CIPCAL 500 TAB:

CIPCAL 500 TAB is a dietary supplement and should be taken as advised by your doctor or as per the instructions on the product label.

• Dosage & Administration:
  • Follow your doctor’s recommendations for dosage and frequency.
  • It is generally advised to take calcium supplements with food to enhance absorption, especially calcium carbonate.
  • If your daily dose of calcium is more than 500-600mg, it’s often recommended to divide the dose and space it throughout the day for better absorption (e.g., one tablet in the morning and one in the evening).
  • Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew or crush unless it’s specifically a chewable tablet.
• Do Not Exceed Recommended Dose: Taking excessive amounts of calcium and/or Vitamin D can lead to serious side effects.
• WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS:
  • Hypercalcemia (High Blood Calcium Levels): This is the most significant risk with excessive intake. Symptoms can include increased thirst/urination, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain, and in severe cases, kidney damage or heart rhythm problems.
    • Do not take CIPCAL 500 if you already have high calcium or vitamin D levels in your blood.
  • Kidney Problems & Kidney Stones: Patients with a history of kidney stones or severe kidney disease should use this supplement with extreme caution and only under strict medical supervision. High calcium levels can worsen kidney stones. CIPCAL 500 is contraindicated in severe kidney disease or those on dialysis.
  • Malabsorption Syndrome: If you have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food, discuss this with your doctor as it may affect the absorption of these supplements.
  • Tissue Calcification: Do not take if you have a history of calcium deposits in body tissues.
  • Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to calcium carbonate, Vitamin D3, or any other ingredients in the tablet.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Important interactions include:
    • Certain Antibiotics (Tetracyclines like Doxycycline, Quinolones like Ciprofloxacin/Levofloxacin): Calcium can interfere with the absorption of these antibiotics. It’s usually recommended to take calcium supplements several hours before or after these antibiotics.
    • Bisphosphonates (for osteoporosis, e.g., Alendronate): Calcium can reduce their absorption. Take at different times of the day.
    • Levothyroxine (Thyroid Hormone): Calcium can interfere with its absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours.
    • Digoxin (Heart Medication): High calcium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Close monitoring is required.
    • Diuretics (Thiazide type, e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide): These can increase calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, potentially leading to hypercalcemia when taken with calcium supplements.
    • Steroids (e.g., Prednisone): Long-term steroid use can lead to calcium deficiency, making this supplement necessary, but your doctor will guide the dosage.
    • Other Vitamin D supplements: Avoid taking multiple vitamin D supplements unless specifically directed by your doctor to prevent overdose.
  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: While calcium and Vitamin D are essential during pregnancy and lactation, higher doses should only be used when advised by a doctor. Consult your doctor before taking this supplement if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol may affect calcium absorption. It’s advisable to limit alcohol intake while using this supplement.
  • Sarcoidosis: Patients with sarcoidosis may have increased sensitivity to Vitamin D and increased risk of hypercalcemia.
• Potential Side Effects:
  • Constipation (common with calcium carbonate)
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache, weakness, fatigue (especially with high calcium levels)
  • Dry mouth
  • Metallic taste (rare, with vitamin D intoxication)
• If any side effects persist, worsen, or cause significant discomfort, or if you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.