Calcichew D3 Forte

What is it?

A combined preparation of vitamin D3 and calcium comprising 1.25 g of calcium carbonate (equivalent to 500mg calcium) and 400iu of vitamin D3 in each white tablet. Also, CALCICHEW D3 comprising 1.25g of calcium carbonate (equivalent to 500mg of calcium) and 200iu of vitamin D3 in each white tablet. Used for calcium and vitamin D deficiency in elderly persons, prevention of deficiencies during pregnancy, additional treatment for osteoporosis, osteomalacia which is vitamin D dependent.

Dosage

Adults only: two tablets (which are chewed) each day. Not recommended for children. Also, CALCICHEW, comprising 1.25g of calcium carbonate (equivalent to 500mg of calcium) in each white tablet and CALCICHEW FORTE, comprising 2.5g calcium carbonate (equivalent to lg of calcium) in each scored, white tablet. All tablets can be chewed.

Medical Uses

Deficiency in calcium, additional treatment in osteoporosis, phosphate binding in kidney failure, osteomalacia.

Dosage

Adults: calcium deficiency and osteoporosis, 2.5 to 3.75g each day; osteomalacia, 2.5 to 7.5g each day; phosphate binding, depending upon serum calcium and phosphate levels. Children, phosphate binding and calcium deficiency, treated in same way as adult.

Avoid Use

Patients in whom osteoporosis has arisen due to being immobilised, severe elevated calcium levels, elevated calcium levels in urine, over-active parathyroid glands, decalcifying tumours, when vitamin D has been taken as overdose, severe kidney failure.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Digitalis, thiazide diuretics. Do not give within three hours of treatment with tetracycline antibiotics; allow two hours to elapse after treatment with biphosphonates.

Known Side Effects

Abdominal wind, constipation, gastrointestinal effects.

Manufacturer

Shire.