Biocal D

Uses

Adult: One Calcium Carbonate 500 tablet or as directed by the physician. For the prevention of osteoporosis, 1-3 Calcium Carbonate 500 tablet is recommended generally as a dietary supplement . Doses for children is half of those for adults. A large dose should not be taken without physician\'s advice.

Adolescent: One to two Calcium Carbonate tablet daily.

Children: One Calcium Carbonate tablet daily.

Zinc Sulphate is used for Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections; Diarrhoea; Loss of appetite; Severe growth retardation; Deformed bone formation; Impaired immunological response; Acrodermatitis enteropathica; Parakeratatic skin lesions; Defective and delayed wound healing; Anaemia; Night blindness; Mental disturbances

Biocal D is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acid Reflux, Acid indigestion, Bloating, Calcium Deficiency, Calcium Metabolism Disorders, Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiencies, Colic, Dyspepsia, Gastric Ulcer, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn, Hemorrhoids, Hot Flushes, Hyperacidity, Hyperphosphataemia, Hypovitaminosis D, Low Bone Density, Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Postoperative Gas, Proctitis, Vertebral Fractures, Calcium loss, Gastrointestinal ulceration, Dietary supplementation

How Biocal D works

Calcium carbonate is a basic inorganic salt that acts by neutralizing hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. It also inhibits the action of pepsin by increasing the pH and via adsorption. Cytoprotective effects may occur through increases in bicarbonate ion (HCO₃^-) and prostaglandins. Neutralization of hydrochloric acid results in the formation of calcium chloride, carbon dioxide and water. Approximately 90% of calcium chloride is converted to insoluble calcium salts (e.g. calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate).

Dosage

Biocal D dosage

Calcium Carbonate is always used orally and when used as an antacid the recommended doses for adults are equivalent to 540-2000 mg Calcium Carbonate per day, doses for children being half of those for adults. As a dietary supplement, such as for the prevention of osteoporosis, 1250-3750 mg Calcium Carbonate (500-1500 mg calcium) daily is recommended in general, but again this will need to be tailored to the individual patient depending on any specific disease such as Calcium deficiency, malabsorption or parathyroid function. In pregnancy and lactation therecommended daily dose of calcium is 1200-1500 mg. In chronic renal failure the doses used vary from 2.5 - 9.0 gm Calcium Carbonate per day and need to be adjusted according to the individual patient. To maximize effective phosphate binding in this context the Calcium Carbonate should be given with meals.

Syrup-

• Children under 10 kg: One teaspoonful 2 times daily.
• Children within 10 to 30 kg: Two teaspoonful 1-3 times daily.
• Adults and children over 30 kg body weight: Four teaspoonful 1-3 times daily.

Tablet-In the treatment of Diarrhoea Zinc should be given as soon as diarrhoea starts:

• For infants between 2 to 6 months of age: 10 mg Zinc once daily for 10-14 days.
• For children between 6 months to 5 years of age: 20 mg Zinc once daily for 10-14 days.

For other indications:

• The recommended dose for children: 2 to 2.5 mg/kg/day.
• Children under 10 kg: 10 mg Zinc 2 times daily.
• Children within 10 to 30 kg: 20 mg Zinc 1-3 times daily.
• Adults and children over 30 kg body weight: 40 mg Zinc 1-3 times daily.

Dispersible Tablet-

• Place the tablet in a teaspoon
• Add adequate amount of water
• Let the tablet dissolve completely
• Give the entire spoonful solution

Side Effects

In rare cases, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation.

In case of zinc mild side effects such as gastric ulcer, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, headache, drowsiness have been observed.

Precaution

In the presence of mild hypercalciuria, excretion levels must be carefully monitored and where necessary the dose of calcium carbonate should be reduced or treatment should be stopped. Patients with a history of stone formation should also be recommended to increase their fluid intake. High dosage of vitamin D should be avoided during Calcium therapy unless specifically indicated.

Concurrent administration of Zinc salt with penicillamine might diminish the effect of Penicillamine. The absorption of Zinc, although poor, may be decreased by various compounds including some foods. Chelation may occur with tetracyclines.

Interaction

Oral calcium can reduce internal absorption of tetracycline and fluoride prepa-rations and an interval of at least 3 hours should therefore be allowed between ingestion of these medications. Vitamin D increases internal absorption of calcium. The intestinal uptake of calcium may be reduced by concomitant ingestion of certain foods (e.g. spinach, milk and milk products).

Zinc may inhibit the absorption of concurrently administered tetracyclines, when both are being given an interval of at least 3 hours.

Volume of Distribution

Calcium is rapidly distributed taken up by skeletal tissues following absorption and distribution into extracellular fluids. Bone contains 99% of the body's calcium and the remaining 1% is approximately equally distributed between intracellular and extracellular fluids.

Elimination Route

Maximal absorption occurs at doses of 500 mg or less taken with food. Oral bioavailability depends on intestinal pH, the presence of food and dosage.

Elimination Route

Excreted mainly in the feces. The majority of renally filtered calcium is reabsorbed in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and the proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Also secreted by sweat glands.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnant women : Calcium containing drugs are used widely in pregnancy by way of calcium supplement or antacid therapy. No relationship between malformation in general and calcium exposure has been noted.

Lactating mother : There is no contraindication to the use of calcium carbonate in lactating mother.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid zinc doses higher than RDA amounts.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to the Calcium Carbonate or any inactive ingredient of the medication. Hypercalcemia (e.g. in hyperparathyroidism, overdosage of vitamin D, demineralizing tumours such as plasmacytomas and bone metastases), severe hypercalcuria, several renal insufficiency.

It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Zinc.

Special Warning

USE IN CHILDREN: Calcium carbonate has been extensively studied in children and infants with chronic renal failure and is both safe and effective.

USE IN ELDERLY: In case of elderly patients with renal failure when calcium carbonate is taken constipation may be troublesome one for this group. For this reason, monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate is of course indicated for elderly patients.

Acute Overdose

Zinc sulphate is corrosive in overdose. Symptoms are corrosion and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and stomach; ulceration of the stomach followed by perforation may occur. Gastric lavage and emesis should be avoided. Demulcents such as milk should be given. Chelating agents such as sodium edetate may be useful.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool, dry place in controlled room temperature.

Store in a cool place. The syrup should be protected from light.

Innovators Monograph

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