Natkalcon Plus

Natkalcon Plus Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Calcitriol is one of the most important active metabolites of vitamin D3. It is normally formed in the kidney from its precursor, 25-hydroxycolecalciferol (25-HCC). Physiological daily production is normally 0.5-1.0 mcg and is somewhat higher during periods of increased bone synthesis (e.g. growth or pregnancy). Calcitriol promotes intestinal absorption of Calcium and regulates bone mineralization.

Calcitriol is a biologically active calcitrophic hormone with anti-osteoporotic, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, antipsoriatic, antioxidant, and mood-modulatory activities. Its main sites of action are the intestine, bone, kidney and parathyroid hormone . Calcitriol is a ligand for the vitamin D nuclear receptor, which is expressed in, but not limited to, gastrointestinal (GI) tissues, bones, and kidneys . As an active form of vitamin D3, calcitriol elevates the plasma levels of calcium by stimulating intestinal calcium uptake, increasing reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys, and possibly increasing the release of calcium from skeletal stores. The duration of pharmacologic activity of a single dose of exogenous calcitriol is expected to be about 3 to 5 days .

In addition to its important role in calcium metabolism, other pharmacological effects of calcitriol have been studied in various conditions including cancer models. Various studies demonstrated expression of vitamin D receptors in cancer cell lines, including mouse myeloid leukemia cells . Calcitriol has been found to induce differentiation and/or inhibit cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo in many cell types, such as malignant cell lines carcinomas of the breast, prostate, colon, skin, and brain, myeloid leukemia cells, and others . In early human prostate cancer trials, administration of 1.5 µg/d calcitriol in male participants resulted in a reduction in the rate of PSA rise in most participants, however it was coincided with dose-limiting hypercalcemia in most participants . Hypercalcemia and hypercalcuria were evident in numerous initial trials, and this may be due to these trials not testing the drug at concentrations that are active in preclinical systems . Findings from preclinical data show an additive or synergistic antineoplastic action of calcitriol when combined with agents including dexamethasone, retinoids, and radiation, as well as several cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs such as platinum compounds .

Vitamin D deficiency has long been suspected to increase the susceptibility to tuberculosis. The active form of calcitriol, 1,25-(OH)2-D3, has been found to enhance the ability of mononuclear phagocytes to suppress the intracellular growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 1,25-(OH)2-D3 has demonstrated beneficial effects in animal models of such autoimmune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D appears to demonstrate both immune-enhancing and immunosuppressive effects.

Magnesium hydroxide increases peristaltic activity causing osmotic retention of fluids, thus resulting in bowel evacuation. It also reduces stomach acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid to form Mg chloride.

As an antacid, magnesium hydroxide suspension neutralizes gastric acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride and water. It is practically insoluble in water and does not have any effect until it reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. There, it decreases the direct acid irritant effect and increases the pH in the stomach leading to inactivation of pepsin. Magnesium hydroxide enhances the integrity of the mucosal barrier of the stomach as well as improving the tone of both the gastric and esophageal sphincters.

As a laxative, the magnesium hydroxide works by increasing the osmotic effect in the intestinal tract and drawing water in. This creates distension of the colon which results in an increase in peristaltic movement and bowel evacuation.

Zinc sulfate is the inorganic compound with the formula ZnSO4 and historically known as "white vitriol". It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medication needed in a basic health system.

Zinc has been identified as a cofactor for over 70 different enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, lactic dehydrogenase and both RNA and DNA polymerase. Zinc facilitates wound healing, helps maintain normal growth rates, normal skin hydration and the senses of taste and smell.

Trade Name Natkalcon Plus
Generic Calcitriol + Calcium Citrate Maleate + Magnesium Hydroxide + Zinc Sulfate
Type Tablet
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
Available Country India
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Natkalcon Plus
Natkalcon Plus

Uses

Calcitriol is used for the correction of the abnormalities of Calcium and Phosphate metabolism in patients with renal osteodystrophy.

Calcitriol is also used for the treatment of established post-menopausal osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, vitamin D dependent rickets.

Acid regurgitation, Constipation, Gastric ulcer, Gastrointestinal hyperacidity, Heartburn, Indigestion, Non ulcer dyspepsia, Osmotic laxative

Zinc sulfate is a drug used to replenish low levels of zinc or prevent zinc deficiency, or to test for zinc deficiency.

This medication is a mineral used to treat or prevent low levels of zinc alone and together with oral rehydration therapy (ORT). It is also used as a topical astringent. Zinc Sulfate Injection, USP is indicated for use as a supplement to intravenous solutions given for TPN.

Natkalcon Plus is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Hypocalcemia, Osteodystrophy, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), Vitamin D Resistant RicketsAcid indigestion, Colic, Constipation, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastric Ulcer, Heartburn, Upset stomach, Antacid therapy, Gastric Acid SuppressionDry Eyes, Local itching, Localized pain, Localized swelling, Nutritional supplementation

How Natkalcon Plus works

The mechanism of action of calcitriol in the treatment of psoriasis is accounted for by their antiproliferative activity for keratinocytes and their stimulation of epidermal cell differentiation. The anticarcinogenic activity of the active form of Calcitriol appears to be correlated with cellular vitamin D receptor (VDR) levels. Vitamin D receptors belong to the superfamily of steroid-hormone zinc-finger receptors. VDRs selectively bind 1,25-(OH)2-D3 and retinoic acid X receptor (RXR) to form a heterodimeric complex that interacts with specific DNA sequences known as vitamin D-responsive elements. VDRs are ligand-activated transcription factors. The receptors activate or repress the transcription of target genes upon binding their respective ligands. It is thought that the anticarcinogenic effect of Calcitriol is mediated via VDRs in cancer cells. The immunomodulatory activity of calcitriol is thought to be mediated by vitamin D receptors (VDRs) which are expressed constitutively in monocytes but induced upon activation of T and B lymphocytes. 1,25-(OH)2-D3 has also been found to enhance the activity of some vitamin D-receptor positive immune cells and to enhance the sensitivity of certain target cells to various cytokines secreted by immune cells.

A study suggests that calcitriol plays an immunoregulatry role by suppressing the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression in human Th9, a pro-inflammatory CD4 T cell subset . This suppression subsequently leads to repressed expression of BATF, a transcription factor essential for Th9 . Calcitriol has also been found to induce monocyte differentiation and to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation and production of cytokines, including interleukin IL-1 and IL-2, as well as to suppress immunoglobulin secretion by B lymphocytes.

The suspension of magnesium hydroxide is ingested and enters the stomach. According to the amount ingested, the magnesium hydroxide will either act as an antacid or a laxative.

Through the ingestion of 0.5-1.5 grams (in adults) the magnesium hydroxide will act by simple acid neutralization in the stomach. The hydroxide ions from the magnesium hydroxide suspension will combine with the acidic H+ ions of the hydrochloric acid made by the stomachs parietal cells. This neutralization reaction will result in the formation of magnesium chloride and water.

Through the ingestion of 2-5 grams (in adults) the magnesium hydroxide acts as a laxative in the colon. The majority of the suspension is not absorbed in the intestinal tract and will create an osmotic effect to draw water into the gut from surrounding tissues. With this increase of water in the intestines, the feces will soften and the intraluminal volume of the feces will increase. These effects still stimulate intestinal motility and induce the urge to defecate. Magnesium hydroxide will also release cholecystokinin (CKK) in the intestines which will accumulate water and electrolytes in the lumen and furthermore increase intestinal motility.

Zinc inhibits cAMP-induced, chloride-dependent fluid secretion by inhibiting basolateral potassium (K) channels, in in-vitro studies with rat ileum. This study has also shown the specificity of Zn to cAMP-activated K channels, because zinc did not block the calcium (Ca)-mediated K channels. As this study was not performed in Zn-deficient animals, it provides evidence that Zn is probably effective in the absence of Zn deficiency. Zinc also improves the absorption of water and electrolytes, improves regeneration of the intestinal epithelium, increases the levels of brush border enzymes, and enhances the immune response, allowing for a better clearance of the pathogens.

Dosage

Natkalcon Plus dosage

Injection

The recommended intravenous initial dose of Calcitriol injection, depending on the severity of the hypocalcemia and/or secondary hyperparathyroidism, is 1 mcg (0.02 mcg/kg) to 2 mcg administered three times weekly, approximately every other day. Doses as small as 0.5 mcg and as large as 4 mcg three times weekly have been used as an initial dose. If a satisfactory response is not observed, the dose may be increased by 0.5 to 1 mcg at two to four week intervals.

Capsule

Adult

Renal osteodystrophy: The initial daily dose is 0.25 mcg of Calcitriol. In patients with normal or only slighty reduced Calcium level, doses of 0.25 mcg every other day are sufficient. If no satisfactory response in the biochemical parameters and clinical manifestations of the disease is observed within 2-4 weeks, the daily dosage may be increased by 0.25 mcg at 2-4 week intervals.

Post-menopausal osteoporosis: The recommended dose of Calcitriol is 0.25 mcg twice daily.

Serum calcium and creatinin levels should be determined at 1-3 and 6 months and at 6 monthly intervals thereafter.

Hypoparathyroidism & Rickets: The recommended initial dose of Calcitriol is 0.25 mcg per day in the morning. In patients with renal osteodystrophy or hypoparathyroidism and rickets if within 2-4 weeks no satisfactory response is observed by usual dose then dose may be increased at two to four week intervals.

Elderly patients

No specific dosage modifications are required in elderly patents.

Children

Dosage in children has not been established.

Gastrointestinal hyperacidity:

  • Adult: Up to 1 g daily, usually given in conjunction with an aluminium-containing antacid eg, aluminium hydroxide.

Osmotic laxative:

  • Adult: 2.4-4.8 g daily as a single dose or in divided doses.
  • Child: 6-11 yr: 1.2-2.4 g daily; 2-5 yr: 0.4-1.2 g daily. Doses may be given as a single dose or in divided doses.

Side Effects

Since Calcitriol exerts vitamin D activity, adverse effects may occur which are similar to those found when an excessive dose of vitamin D is taken, i.e. hypercalcaemia syndrome or calcium intoxication (depending on the severity and duration of hypercalcaemia). Occasional acute symptoms include anorexia, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or stomach ache and constipation.

GI irritation, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps; hypermagnesaemia (in patients with renal impairment). Paralytic ileus.

Toxicity

LD50 (oral, rat) = 620 μg/kg; LD50 (intraperitoneal, rat) > 5 mg/kg .

Symptoms of calcitriol toxicity mirrors the early and late signs and symptoms of vitamin D intoxication associated with hypercalcemia . Early signs include weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain and metallic taste. Late signs are characterized by polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, conjunctivitis (calcific), pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated BUN, albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated SGOT and SGPT, ectopic calcification, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias and, rarely, overt psychosis .

LD50=8500 mg/kg (rat, oral)

Common side effects include drowsiness or flushing (warmth, redness or tingly feeling).

Daily use of magnesium hydroxide can result in fluid and electrolyte disturbances.

Excessive use of the laxative effects of magnesium hydroxide may result in abdominal cramping, nausea and/or diarrhea.

In overdose, symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation and/or watery diarrhea may occur.

Magnesium hydroxide poisoning can result in hypermagnesemia which includes symptoms of: nausea, vomiting, flushing, thirst, hypotension, drowsiness, confusion, loss of tendon reflexes, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, coma and cardiac arrest.

Not to be used in individuals with any form of kidney disease or renal failure, a magnesium restricted diet or with any sudden changes in bowel movement lasting over two weeks. Also not to be used in those individuals with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, symptoms of appendicitis or myocardial damage, heart block, fecal impaction, rectal fissures, intestinal obstruction or perforation or renal disease. Not to be used in women who are about to deliver as magnesium crosses the placenta and is excreted in small amounts in breast milk.

Using magnesium hydroxide with aluminum hydroxide can decrease the absorption rate of these drugs.

Magnesium hydroxide can react with digoxin, dicoumerol and cimetidine.

Use of ibuprofen with magnesium hydroxide can increase the absorption of the ibuprofen.

Use of magnesium hydroxide with penicallamine, bisphosphates, ketoconazole, quinolones or tetracycline can decrease the absorption of these drugs.

Enteric-coated tablets can be prematurely released when taken with magnesium hydroxide.

It is important to routinely monitor levels of serum magnesium and potassium in patients using magnesium hydroxide. Serum magnesium levels are necessary to determine how much magnesium is being absorbed and how much is being excreted by the kidneys. Excessive diarrhea can occur from use of magnesium hydroxide and thus it is important to also monitor serum potassium levels to ensure hypokalemia does not occur.

Human : TDLo ( Oral) 45mg/kg/7D-C : Normocytic anemia, pulse rate increase without fall inBP Human: TDLo (oral) 106mg/kg : Hypermotylity, diarrhea Mouse ; LD50 Oral : 245mg/kg Mouse : LD50 : subcutaneous : 781mg/kg

Precaution

Immobilised patients, e.g. those who have undergone surgery, are particularly exposed to the risk of hypercalcaemia. Patients with normal renal function who are taking Calcitriol should avoid dehydration. Adequate fluid intake should be maintained.

Colostomy, ileostomy; electrolyte imbalance. Monitor for toxicity in patients with impaired renal function. Pregnancy.

Interaction

Concomitant treatment with a thiazide diuretic increases the risk of hypercalcaemia. Calcitriol dosage must be determined with care in patients undergoing treatment with digitalis, as hypercalcaemia in such patients may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Administration of enzyme inducers such as phenytoin or phenobarbital may lead to increased metabolism and hence reduced serum concentrations of Calcitriol. Therefore higher doses of Calcitriol may be necessary if these drugs are administered simultaneously. Colestyramine can reduce intestinal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and therefore may impair intestinal absorption of Calcitriol.

Decreases absorption of tetracyclines and biphosphonates. Separate administration of these and other drugs by around 2 hr.

Volume of Distribution

Upon intravenous administration, the volume of distribution of calcitriol was 0.49±0.14 L/kg in healthy male volunteers and 0.27±0.06 l/kg in uraemic male patients participating in a pharmacokinetic study . There is some evidence that calcitriol is transferred into human milk at low levels (ie, 2.2±0.1 pg/mL) in mothers . Calcitriol from maternal circulation may also enter the fetal circulation .

The peak action and distribution of magnesium hydroxide are variable.

After absorption zinc is bound to protein metallothionein in the intestines. Zinc is widely distributed throughout the body. It is primarily stored in RBCs, WBCs, muscles, bones, Skin, Kidneys, Liver, Pancreas, retina, and prostate.

Elimination Route

Upon administration, calcitriol is rapidly absorbed from the intestines. When a single oral dose of 0.5 mcg of calcitriol was administered, the mean serum concentrations of calcitriol rose from a baseline value of 40.0±4.4 (SD) pg/mL to 60.0±4.4 pg/mL at 2 hours, and declined to 53.0±6.9 at 4 hours, 50±7.0 at 8 hours, 44±4.6 at 12 hours and 41.5±5.1 at 24 hours . Following administration of single doses of 0.25 to 1.0 mcg of calcitriol, the peak plasma concentrations were reached within 3 to 6 hours . In a pharmacokinetic study, the oral bioavailability was 70.6±5.8% in healthy male volunteers and 72.2±4.8% in male patients with uraemia .

About 15%-50% of magnesium hydroxide is absorbed very slowly through the small intestine.

Approximately 20 to 30% of dietary zinc is absorbed, primarily from the duodenum and ileum. The amount absorbed is dependent on the bioavailability from food. Zinc is the most bioavailable from red meat and oysters. Phytates may impair absorption by chelation and formation of insoluble complexes at an alkaline pH. After absorption, zinc is bound in the intestine to the protein metallothionein. Endogenous zinc can be reabsorbed in the ileum and colon, creating an enteropancreatic circulation of zinc.

Half Life

After administration of single oral doses, the elimination half life was 5-8 hours .

N/A

3 hours

Clearance

The metabolic clearance rate was 23.5±4.34 ml/min in healthy male volunteers and 10.1±1.35 ml/min in male patients with uraemia . In the pediatric patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis receiving dose of 10.2 ng/kg (SD 5.5 ng/kg) for 2 months, the clearance rate was 15.3 mL/hr/kg .

Magnesium hydroxide is mainly excreted in the urine by the kidneys. Since the kidneys play a major role in its clearance, individuals with renal failure are at risk of hypermagnesemia with long term consumption as the appropriate amounts of magnesium may not be excreted.

Elimination Route

In normal subjects, approximately 27% and 7% of the radioactivity appeared in the feces and urine, respectively, within 24 hours . Calcitriol undergoes enterohepatic recycling and biliary excretion. The metabolites of calcitriol are excreted primarily in feces. Cumulative excretion of radioactivity on the sixth day following intravenous administration of radiolabeled calcitriol averaged 16% in urine and 49% in feces .

After oral administration, up to 50% of the magnesium hydroxide suspension may be absorbed as magnesium ions through the small intestines and then rapidly excreted in the urine through the kidneys. The unabsorbed drug is mainly excreted in the feces and saliva.

Primarily fecal (approximately 90%); to a lesser extent in the urine and in perspiration.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy category C. Calcitriol has been found to be teratogenic in rabbits. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Calcitriol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Pregnancy category- A.

Contraindication

Calcitriol is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. Calcitriol is also contraindicated in all diseases associated with hypercalcemia.

Intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction; renal failure; appendicitis.

Special Warning

Elderly patients: No specific dosage modifications are required in elderly patients.

Acute Overdose

Administration of Calcitriol to patients in excess of their daily requirements can cause hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria and hyperphospatemia. Since Calcitriol is a derivative of vitamin D, the signs and symptoms of overdose are the same as for an overdose of vitamin D.

Storage Condition

Store between 15-30° C. Protect from moisture, heat and light. Do not freeze.

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