Cafal

Uses

- In the treatment and prevention of Calcium and Vitamin-D deficiency

- In the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis as an adjunct to other specific therapy

Cafal is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Calcium Deficiency, Deficiency, Vitamin D, Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Chronic Hypocalcemia, Chronic Hypocalcemia caused by anticonvulsant medications, Care of the Joint, Mineral supplementation, Nutritional supplementation

How Cafal works

Calcium plays a vital role in the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of organisms and of the cell, particularly in signal transduction pathways. More than 500 human proteins are known to bind or transport calcium. The skeleton acts as a major mineral storage site for the element and releases Ca2+ ions into the bloodstream under controlled conditions. Circulating calcium is either in the free, ionized form or bound to blood proteins such as serum albumin. Parathyroid hormone (secreted from the parathyroid gland) regulates the resorption of Ca2+ from bone. Calcitonin stimulates incorporation of calcium in bone, although this process is largely independent of calcitonin. Although calcium flow to and from the bone is neutral, about 5 mmol is turned over a day. Bone serves as an important storage point for calcium, as it contains 99% of the total body calcium. Low calcium intake may also be a risk factor in the development of osteoporosis. The best-absorbed form of calcium from a pill is a calcium salt like carbonate or phosphate. Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate are absorbed well by pregnant women. Seniors absorb calcium lactate, gluconate and citrate better unless they take their calcium supplement with a full breakfast. The currently recommended calcium intake is 1,500 milligrams per day for women not taking estrogen and 800 milligrams per day for women on estrogen. There is close to 300 milligrams of calcium in one cup of fluid milk. Calcium carbonate is currently the best and least expensive form of calcium supplement available.

Dosage

Cafal dosage

 Adolescents and Adults: 1 tablet once or twice a day

Children: 1 tablet once a day

Dissolve effervescent tablet in a glass of water and drink immediately. Do not swallow or chew the tablet.

Side Effects

- Very rare: Serious Allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongues and throat- Rare: Hyperecaicaemia, Hypercalciuria- Common (less serious): Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, bloating, itching, redness/ burning of the skin

Precaution

Patient with a history of renal stones urinary calcium excretion should be measured to exclude Hypercalciuria. During long-term administration of regular blood and urine calcium levels as well as kidney function should be monitored regularly. Consultation with physician should be required while using other Calcium and Vitamin-D preparation, having previous history of kidney disorder and certain lung diseases e.g. Sarcoidosis/ Besnier-Boeck disease.

Interaction

Can interact with certain medications if taken at the same time. Physician advocacy should be required while using cardiac glycosides, thiazide diuretics or corticosteroids. In case of oral bisphosphonates and sodium fluoride, the drug should be taken at least 3 hrs later of administration of these drugs. should be taken 1 to 2 hrs before or 4 to 6 hrs after taking certain medications e.g. Tetracycline, cholestyramine or laxatives.

Elimination Route

The kidney excretes 250 mmol a day in urine, and resorbs 245 mmol, leading to a net loss in the urine of 5 mmol/d.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

effervescent tablets can be used during pregnancy, in case of a calcium and vitamin D deficiency. However, for supplementation starting during the third trimester of pregnancy, the daily intake should not exceed 1500 mg calcium and 1000 IU vitamin D. effervescent tablets can be used during breast-feeding.

Contraindication

Contraindicated in patients with- Hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis, Hypersensitivity to the component of Cafal, Severe renal insufficiencies

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of over dose may include nausea and vomiting, extreme thirst and constipation. The most serious consequence of acute chronic overdose is hypocalcaemia due to Vitamin D toxicity.

Storage Condition

Store at a cool and dry place and protect it from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Cafal