Vitrum Calcium: uses, side effects and features
Vitrum Calcium is a drug that belongs to the group of regulators of calcium-phosphorus metabolism. It contains colecalciferol and calcium carbonate, which are the active components of the drug. Vitrum Calcium is manufactured by Unipharm Inc. in the United States of America.
Indications for use of Vitrum Calcium include the prevention and complex treatment of osteoporosis and its complications, including bone fractures. The drug is also used to compensate for the lack of calcium and vitamin D3, including in older people. Vitrum Calcium can be prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but in such cases it is necessary not to exceed a dose of more than 1500 mg of calcium and 600 IU of vitamin D3 per day.
However, before using Vitrum Calcium, contraindications must be taken into account. The drug is not recommended for hypersensitivity, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, urolithiasis, sarcoidosis and tumor metastases to the bone, as well as severe renal impairment. In case of osteoporosis caused by prolonged immobilization, you should also refrain from using Vitrum Calcium. In addition, an overdose of vitamin D3 is also a contraindication to the use of the drug.
When using Vitrum Calcium, side effects may occur, such as dyspeptic symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain), as well as an increase in calcium levels in the blood and urine with long-term use.
The interaction of Vitrum Calcium with other drugs is also an important aspect when using it. Thus, phenytoin and barbiturates weaken its effect, and cardiac glycosides, on the contrary, enhance it. Calcium and vitamin D3 can increase the absorption of tetracyclines from the gastrointestinal tract, and bisphosphonates and fluorides, on the contrary, reduce them. Corticosteroids reduce calcium absorption, and furosemide and other loop diuretics increase renal excretion of calcium, while thiazide diuretics delay its urinary excretion. In addition, the acidic reaction of foods increases the absorption of calcium, and the slightly alkaline reaction reduces it.
An overdose of Vitrum Calcium may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, as well as increased calcium levels in the blood and urine. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
In general, Vitrum Calcium is an effective drug for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and its complications, as well as for replenishing the deficiency of calcium and vitamin D3. However, before using it, you must consult your doctor and take into account contraindications and possible side effects.