Uses :

Mode of drug action

Calcium carbonate Calcium carbonate supplements calcium in the diet. It also prevents the absorption of phosphate from the gastrointestinal tract in people with kidney disease. Vitamin D3 Vitamin D3 is a steroid hormone which binds to the vitamin D receptors and helps in the absorption of calcium.

What are the common side effects?

Calcium carbonate The common side effects of calcium carbonate are constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, increased thirst, and abdominal pain. Calcitriol (Vitamin D3) The common side effects of calcitriol are fatigue, weakness, sleepiness, headache, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. However, these side effects do not occur at the normal doses and are seen in only a few patients.

Warning

Pregnancy: Safe under medical guidance Breastfeeding: Safe under medical guidance Alcohol: Unsafe Kidney dysfunction: Caution required Liver dysfunction: Caution required

Special precautions for safe use

• Do not take Shelcal tablets if an allergic reaction has been experienced to any of its ingredients in the past.

• Shelcal should not be used by the patients with extremely high levels of calcium or vitamin D (e.g. parathyroid gland disorders and sarcoidosis).

• Before taking any other drugs along with the Shelcal, inform a doctor to avoid unwanted effects due to the interactions. It is especially important to avoid ceftriaxone due to the risk of damage to lungs and kidneys.

• Shelcal should be taken with caution by people having conditions such as achlorhydria (low stomach acid), hypo or hyperphosphatemia (low or high phosphate levels), hypothyroidism, and poor kidney function.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take Shelcal only with a doctor’s recommendation.

• Do not smoke while taking Shelcal, because it can reduce the absorption of the drug.

• Read the instructions given on the label of Shelcal drug before use.

What else should I know?