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]
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Calcium | Mineral nutrient |
| Cholecalciferol | Vitamin |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Calcitrate with D, Citracal + D, others |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Multum Consumer Information |
| Routes of administration | By mouth |
| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
|
In 2017, it was the 236th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than two million prescriptions.[3][4] 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
- Multum Consumer Information on calcium and vitamin D combinations.
- Haberfeld H, ed. (2015). Austria-Codex (in German). Vienna: Österreichischer Apothekerverlag. Cal-D-Vita-Kautabletten.
- "The Top 300 of 2020". ClinCalc. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- "Calcium; Cholecalciferol - Drug Usage Statistics". ClinCalc. Retrieved 11 April 2020.