Lifecal-DS Tablet

Lifecal-DS tablet is indicated for the treatment & prevention of-

• Osteoporosis
• Osteomalacia
• Tetany
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Disorders of osteogenesis.

Lifecal-DS tablet also used as supplement in case of inadequate intake of calcium in childhood diet, rickets, pregnancy & lactation, elderly patients. Other indications include pancreatitis, phosphate binder in chronic renal failure etc.

Each tablet contains: Calcium Carbonate USP 1250 mg (Coral source) equivalent to 500 mg of elemental Calcium & Vitamin D USP 200 IU.

Each DX tablet contains: Calcium Carbonate USP 1500 mg (Coral source) equivalent to 600 mg of elemental Calcium & Vitamin D USP 400 IU.

Each effervescent tablet contains: Calcium Carbonate (Coral source) USP 1500 mg equivalent to 600 mg of elemental Calcium and Vitamin D3 400 IU as Cholecalciferol USP.

Adequate Calcium in the blood is so vital to a wide variety of bodily functions that our internal biochemistry will not tolerate a deficiency even for short periods. Clinical evidence suggests that Calcium is useful for the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis and associated fractures. Vitamin D is also essential for healthy bones as it aids in Calcium absorption from the GI tract. In addition to this it stimulates bone formation. Clinical studies also show that Calcium and vitamin D has synergistic effects on bone growth as well as in Osteoporosis and fracture prevention. In this preparation, Calcium Carbonate is sourced from coral origin. This Coral Calcium has a chemical structure which is very similar to the composition of human bone. Coral Calcium is similar to other sources but ensures better absorption. Vitamin D3 aids in the absorption of Calcium from GI tract and helps to maintain Calcium balance in the body.

One tablet once or twice daily with plenty of water or as directed by the physician. Taking in full stomach ensures better absorption. Dissolve 1 effervescent tablet in a glass of water to drink orally. Stir the solution with spoon before drinking. Taking in full stomach ensures better absorption.

Thiazide diuretics reduce the urinary excretion of calcium. Due to increased risk of hypercalcaemia, serum calcium should be regularly monitored during concomitant use of thiazide diuretics. Systemic corticosteroids reduce calcium absorption. During concomitant use, it may be necessary to increase the dose of calcium tablet. Simultaneous treatment with ion exchange resins such as cholestyramine or laxatives such as paraffin oil may reduce the gastrointestinal absorption of vitamin D. Calcium carbonate may interfere with the absorption of concomitantly administered tetracycline preparations. For this reason, tetracycline preparations should be administered at least two hours before, or four to six hours after, oral intake of calcium. Hypercalcaemia may increase the toxicity of cardiac glycosides during treatment with calcium and vitamin D. Patients should be monitored with regard to electrocardiogram (ECG) and serum calcium levels. If a bisphosphonate or sodium fluoride is used concomitantly, Lifecal-DS should be administered at least three hours before the intake of calcium tablet since gastrointestinal absorption may be reduced. Oxalic acid (found in spinach and rhubarb) and phytic acid (found in whole cereals) may inhibit calcium absorption through formation of insoluble calcium salts. The patient should not take calcium products within two hours of eating foods high in oxalic acid and phytic acid.

• Hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism
• Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis
• Hypersensitivity to the component of this preparation
• Severe renal insufficiencies
• Concomitant digoxin therapy (requires careful monitoring of serum Calcium level)

Orally administered Calcium Carbonate may be irritating to the GI tract. It may also cause constipation. Hypercalcemia is rarely produced by administration of Calcium alone but may occur when large doses are given to patients with chronic renal failure. Also there may be allergic reactions, irregular heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite dry mouth and drowsiness. Following administration of Vitamin D Supplements occasion skin rash has been reported.

During pregnancy the daily intake should not exceed 1500 mg calcium and 600 IU cholecalciferol (15 mcg vitamin D). Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity with high dose of vitamin D. In pregnant women, overdoses of calcium and vitamin D should be avoided as permanent hypercalcaemia has been related to adverse effects on the developing foetus. There are no indications that vitamin D at therapeutic doses is teratogenic in humans. Elemental Calcium & Vitamin D3 tablet can be used during pregnancy, in case of a calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Elemental Calcium & Vitamin D3 tablet can be used during breast-feeding. Calcium and vitamin D3 pass into breast milk. This should be considered when giving additional vitamin D to the child.

During long-term treatment, serum calcium levels should be followed and renal function should be monitored through measurement of serum creatinine. Monitoring is especially important in elderly patients on concomitant treatment with cardiac glycosides or diuretics and in patients with a high tendency to calculus formation. In case of hypercalcaemia or signs of impaired renal function, the dose should be reduced or the treatment discontinued. Vitamin D should be used with caution in patients with impairment of renal function and the effect on calcium and phosphate levels should be monitored. The risk of soft tissue calcification should be taken into account. In patients with severe renal insufficiency, vitamin D in the form of cholecalciferol is not metabolised normally and other forms of vitamin D should be used. Elemental Calcium & Vitamin D3 tablet should be prescribed with caution to patients suffering from sarcoidosis because of the risk of increased metabolism of vitamin D to its active metabolite. In these patients, serum calcium levels and urinary calcium excretion must be monitored. Elemental Calcium & Vitamin D3 tablet should be used with caution in immobilised patients with osteoporosis due to the increased risk of hypercalcaemia. The dose of vitamin D in Elemental Calcium & Vitamin D3 tablet should be considered when prescribing other drugs containing vitamin D. Additional doses of calcium or vitamin D should be taken under close medical supervision. In such cases it is necessary to monitor serum calcium levels and urinary calcium excretion frequently.

Overdose can lead to hypervitaminosis D and hypercalcaemia. Symptoms of hypercalcaemia may include anorexia, thirst, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, mental disturbances, polydipsia, polyuria, bone pain, nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias. Extreme hypercalcaemia may result in coma and death. Persistently high calcium levels may lead to irreversible renal damage and soft tissue calcification. Treatment of hypercalcaemia: The treatment with calcium must be discontinued. Treatment with thiazide diuretics, lithium, vitamin A and cardiac glycosides must also be discontinued. Emptying of the stomach in patients with impaired consciousness. Rehydration, and, according to severity, isolated or combined treatment with loop diuretics, bisphosphonates, calcitonin and corticosteroids. Serum electrolytes, renal function and diuresis must be monitored. In severe cases, ECG and CVP should be followed.

Specific mineral & vitamin combined preparations

Store at temperature of below 30°C, protect from light & moisture. Keep out of reach of children.