Apsarcal Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more

Calcium citrate is a salt typically used as a source of calcium in a variety of over the counter supplements.

Increases plasma calcium levels leading to a decrease in calcium flux and increase in calcium deposition into bone

Trade Name	Apsarcal
Generic	Calcium Citrate + Calcium Orotate + Calcium Aspartate + Vit D3
Weight	cholecalciferol
Type	Tablet
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer	Cancure
Available Country	India
Last Updated:	January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am

Uses

Calcium citrate is an ingredient found in a variety of supplements and vitamins.

For use as an over the counter calcium supplement.

This medication is used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets. To fulfill the calcium deficiency or meet extra need of calcium, it may be used in conditions like osteoporosis osteomalacia, rickets, latent tetany, postmenopausal osteoporosis ... Read more

Apsarcal is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Calcium Deficiency, Deficiency of Vitamin D3, Deficiency, Vitamin D, Folate deficiency, Hypocalcemia, Iron Deficiency (ID), Osteoporosis

How Apsarcal works

Calcium citrate increases plasma calcium levels. This reduces calcium flux from osteocyte activity by reducing the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) . Calcium does this by stimulating a G-protein coupled calcium receptor on the surface of parathyroid cells. The reduction in calcium flux increases the amount of calcium deposited in bone resulting in an increase in bone mineral density. The reduction in PTH secretion also reduces the amount of vitamin D metabolized to its active form, calcidiol. Since calcidiol increases the expression of calcium dependent ATPases and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6 (TRPV6) both of which are involved in calcium uptake from the gut, a reduction in calcidiol results in less calcium absorption. Additionally, TRPV5, the channel responsible for calcium reabsorption in the kidney, is downregulated when PTH secretion is reduced thus increasing calcium excretion via the kidneys. Another hormone, calitonin, is likely involved in the reduction of bone resorption during periods of high plasma calcium.

Dosage

Apsarcal dosage

Calcium Orotate 400 mg: As an addition to the daily diet, 2-3 tablets are usually recommended with meal or as directed by a physician.Calcium Orotate 740 mg: As an addition to the daily diet, 1-2 tablets are usually recommended with meal or as directed by a physician.

Side Effects

Bloating and swelling in the abdomen are common side effects of Calcium Orotate. Loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, nausea, vomiting, unusual weight loss, increased thirst/urination, weakness, unusual tiredness, formation of kidney stones may occur infrequently.

Toxicity

Patients taking more than 4g of calcium a day are at risk of hypercalcemia and metabolic alkalosis . Chronic intake of calcium supplements is associated with adverse gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation and flatulence .

Precaution

Before taking Calcium Orotate, precaution is needed if the patient is allergic to Calcium Orotate. This drug may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Precaution is needed before using this drug in kidney disease, kidney stones, little or no stomach acid (achlorhydria), heart disease, disease of the pancreas, sarcoidosis difficulty absorbing nutrition from food (malabsorption syndrome).

Interaction

Calcium can decrease absorption of the following drugs when taken together: biphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), and tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline), levothyroxine, phenytoin (an anticonvulsant), and tiludronate disodium (to treat Paget's disease). Thiazide-type diuretics can interact with Calcium supplements, increasing the risks of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. Both aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids increase urinary calcium excretion. Mineral oil and stimulant laxatives decrease calcium absorption. Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, can cause calcium depletion and eventually osteoporosis when they are used for months. Oral contraceptives as well as estrogen compounds reduce calcium. Anti-inflammatories such as NSAIDs, Aspirin, Ibuprofen deplete calcium. Corticosteroids deplete calcium.

Elimination Route

The percentage of calcium absorbed varies inversely with intake . Tmax of about 3.5-5h varying with formulation .

Elimination Route

Cleared via the kidneys but largely reabsorbed (98-99%) under normal conditions .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Women who are pregnant and breast-feeding need more calcium. Pregnancy related high blood pressure is a common and serious risk for women and their babies, and taking supplemental forms of Calcium Orotate can help to reduce this risk.

Contraindication

Calcium Orotate is contraindicated in conditions like incomplete or infrequent bowel movements, kidney stone, kidney disease, increased activity of the parathyroid gland, high amount of Calcium in urine, high amount of Calcium in the blood, extreme loss of body water.