Calcium (Algae Source) + Vitamin D3

Calcium (Algae Source) + Vitamin D3 is a calcium and vitamin d supplement medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency when dietary intake is inadequate.
• Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency when supplementation is needed.
• Adjunctive supplementation in osteoporosis or osteopenia as advised by a healthcare professional.
• Supplementation during periods of increased calcium and vitamin D requirement, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or older age, when recommended by a doctor.

Adult dosing depends on the amount of elemental calcium and vitamin D3 in the tablet, dietary intake, age, kidney function and the reason for use. It is commonly taken with food to improve calcium absorption and reduce stomach upset. Follow the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor; do not take extra calcium or vitamin D products unless advised.

• Common effects may include constipation, bloating, gas, nausea or stomach discomfort.
• Excessive intake may cause high calcium levels, with symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, confusion or irregular heartbeat.
• Kidney stones or worsening kidney problems may occur in susceptible people.
• Allergic reactions are uncommon but may include rash, itching, swelling or breathing difficulty; seek urgent medical help if these occur.

Use carefully in people with kidney disease, a history of kidney stones, high blood calcium, high urine calcium, sarcoidosis or other granulomatous diseases, parathyroid disorders, heart disease, or those taking digoxin, thiazide diuretics or other supplements containing calcium or vitamin D. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and consider total calcium intake from diet and other medicines. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• Calcium can reduce absorption of levothyroxine, tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates and some iron or zinc supplements; these usually need to be taken at separate times.
• Thiazide diuretics may increase the risk of high blood calcium.
• Digoxin or other cardiac glycosides may have increased risk of heart rhythm problems if calcium levels become high.
• Vitamin D analogues or other vitamin D supplements can increase the risk of vitamin D toxicity and hypercalcaemia.
• High-fibre foods, bran, oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, and phytate-rich foods may reduce calcium absorption if taken at the same time.

• Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the product.
• Hypercalcaemia or conditions causing persistently high blood calcium.
• Severe hypercalciuria or calcium-containing kidney stones unless specifically advised by a doctor.
• Vitamin D toxicity.
• Severe kidney impairment where calcium or vitamin D supplementation is not medically supervised.

Calcium and vitamin D are important during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but the total daily intake from diet and supplements should stay within safe recommended limits. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use this medicine only as advised by a doctor, especially if they are already taking prenatal vitamins or other supplements.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.