Vitacalcin

Vitacalcin: description, use, side effects, interactions and special instructions

Vitacalcin (international name - calcium carbonate) is a drug containing calcium, which is necessary to maintain healthy bones, teeth, cardiovascular system and nervous system. The drug is produced by the Slovak company Slovakpharma and belongs to the pharmacological group of astringents, coatings and antacids of magnesium and calcium.

Release form and composition

Vitacalcin is available in tablet form containing 250 mg calcium carbonate as the active substance. In addition, the tablets contain auxiliary components.

Indications for use

Vitacalcin is used for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:

1. hyperacidity of gastric juice and gastrointestinal diseases occurring against its background;
2. osteoporosis, including postmenopausal;
3. rickets and caries in children;
4. osteomalacia, tetany;
5. increased need for calcium, for example, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, intensive growth in children;
6. allergic reactions as an aid.

Contraindications

The use of Vitacalcin is contraindicated in:

1. hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels in the blood), which can be caused by hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D overdose, bone metastases;
2. multiple myeloma;
3. sarcoidosis;
4. severe renal failure or severe hypercalciuria.

Side effects

When using Vitacalcin, the following side effects may occur:

1. dyspeptic symptoms such as epigastric pain, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation;
2. secondary increase in gastric secretion;
3. hypercalcemia (increased calcium levels in the blood).

Interaction with other drugs

Vitacalcin may interact with other medicines and change their effectiveness. For example, it reduces the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, fluoride preparations and quinolone derivatives, and also increases the arrhythmogenic effect of digoxin. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, and thiazide diuretics (reduce urinary calcium excretion) may increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Vitacalcin, the following symptoms may occur: impaired blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased calcium levels in the blood and the development of hypercalcemia. In case of overdose, you must immediately stop taking the drug and seek medical help. Treatment of overdose may include diuretics, glucocorticosteroids and phosphorus salts to reduce calcium levels in the blood.

special instructions

Before you start taking Vitacalcin, you should consult your doctor, especially if you have diseases such as urolithiasis, renal failure, heart and vascular diseases. While taking Vitacalcin, it is not recommended to consume large amounts of foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, cheeses, cottage cheese, fish and nuts, as this can lead to hypercalcemia. It is also necessary to avoid simultaneous use with other drugs containing calcium and drugs that enhance the excretion of calcium from the body.