A-Cal

250 mg or 500 mg tablet

A-Cal is used for the treatment or prevention of calcium depletion in patients whose dietary intake is inadequate. Conditions associated with calcium deficiency that may benefit from supplementation include hypoparathyroidism, achlorhydria, chronic diarrhea, vitamin D deficiency, steatorrhea, sprue, pregnancy and lactation, menopause, pancreatitis, renal failure, alkalosis, and hyperphosphataemia.

A-Cal is increasingly used to treat hyperphosphataemia in chronic renal failure, including in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and haemodialysis. Some patients cannot tolerate sufficient doses to achieve complete phosphate control and may require additional measures, such as strict dietary phosphate restriction or small doses of aluminium hydroxide.

A-Cal preparations can provide short-term relief of dyspeptic symptoms but are no longer recommended for long-term treatment of peptic ulceration.

1000 mg tablet

Indicated for the management of conditions associated with hyperacidity, and for fast relief of acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, and upset stomach.

250 mg or 500 mg tablet

Calcium Carbonate is always administered orally.

As an antacid, the recommended adult dose is 540–2000 mg of Calcium Carbonate per day. The dose for children is half the adult dose.

As a dietary supplement (e.g., for the prevention of osteoporosis), 1250–3750 mg Calcium Carbonate (500–1500 mg elemental calcium) daily is generally recommended, though this should be tailored to the individual patient depending on the specific condition, such as calcium deficiency, malabsorption, or parathyroid dysfunction.

In pregnancy and lactation, the recommended daily calcium intake is 1200–1500 mg.

In chronic renal failure, doses range from 2.5–9.0 g of Calcium Carbonate per day and must be adjusted for each patient. To maximise phosphate binding, Calcium Carbonate should be taken with meals in this setting.

1000 mg tablet

2000–3000 mg when symptoms occur. May be repeated hourly if needed, or as directed by the physician.

250 mg or 500 mg tablet

Calcium Carbonate is always administered orally. When used as an antacid, the recommended adult dose is 540–2000 mg per day; the dose for children is half the adult dose.

As a dietary supplement, 1250–3750 mg Calcium Carbonate (500–1500 mg elemental calcium) daily is generally recommended, adjusted to the individual patient's needs based on the specific condition.

In pregnancy and lactation, the recommended daily calcium intake is 1200–1500 mg.

In chronic renal failure, daily doses range from 2.5–9.0 g and must be individually adjusted. To maximise phosphate binding, the tablets should be taken with meals.

1000 mg tablet

2000–3000 mg when symptoms occur. May be repeated hourly if needed, or as directed by the physician.

Calcium carbonate reacts with gastric acid to produce a calcium salt, water, and carbon dioxide. The reaction proceeds as follows: CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂. Two grams of calcium carbonate will readily raise the pH of 100 ml of hydrochloric acid above 6. The resulting increase in gastric pH reduces the activity of pepsin in gastric secretions. Up to 30% of an oral calcium dose may be absorbed systemically.

Orally administered A-Cal may be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and may cause constipation. Hypercalcaemia is rarely produced by calcium administration alone but may occur when large doses are given to patients with chronic renal failure.

• Hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism
• Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Concomitant digoxin therapy (requires careful monitoring of serum calcium levels)

If hypercalcaemia occurs, discontinuation of the drug is usually sufficient to return serum calcium concentrations to normal. Calcium salts should be used with caution in patients with sarcoidosis, renal or cardiac disease, and in those receiving cardiac glycosides.

A-Cal should not be taken within 1–2 hours of other medicines, as calcium may reduce their absorption and effectiveness.

Patients should inform their doctor of all current medications, vitamins, and supplements before starting A-Cal, as calcium carbonate can reduce the absorption of several drugs including bisphosphonates, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and thyroid medications.

Patients with a history of kidney disease, kidney stones, heart failure, or endocrine disorders should use A-Cal with caution and under medical supervision.

A-Cal should not be used as an antacid for longer than 2 weeks unless directed by a physician.

Serum calcium and phosphate levels should be monitored periodically, particularly in patients with chronic renal failure and in elderly patients.

Use in children

A-Cal has been extensively studied in children and infants with chronic renal failure and has been shown to be both safe and effective in this population.

Use in elderly

In elderly patients with renal failure, constipation may be a particularly troublesome side effect of A-Cal. Monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate levels is recommended for this group.

Calcium-containing medications have been widely used during pregnancy, both for oral calcium supplementation and as antacid therapy. Calcium Carbonate can also be used in lactating women.

• Overdose of Calcium Carbonate may lead to hypercalcaemia with the following effects:
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Constipation, abdominal pain, and headache
• Confusion, mental/mood changes, and in severe cases, coma
• Irregular heart rhythms and muscle twitching
• Bone pain and weakness
• Acute renal failure and kidney stones
• Pancreatitis and vascular calcification
• Milk-alkali syndrome (a combination of hypercalcaemia and metabolic alkalosis)

In the event of overdose, discontinuation of the drug is usually the first step. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if the patient has collapsed, had a seizure, or has difficulty breathing.

A-Cal may enhance the cardiac effects of digoxin and other cardiac glycosides if systemic hypercalcaemia occurs. A-Cal may also interfere with the absorption of concomitantly administered tetracycline preparations. In chronic renal failure, modification of vitamin D therapy may be required to avoid hypercalcaemia when A-Cal is used as the primary phosphate binder.

Store in a cool, dry place at controlled room temperature.

What is the price of A-Cal 500 mg in Bangladesh (BD)?

A-Cal 500 mg price in Bangladesh is ৳5 per tablet (৳500 per strip). Prices may vary by pharmacy and are updated regularly on this page.

What is A-Cal used for?

250 mg or 500 mg tablet: A-Cal is used for the treatment or prevention of calcium depletion in patients whose dietary intake is inadequate. Conditions associated with calcium deficiency that may benefit from…

Is A-Cal an antibiotic?

No, A-Cal is not an antibiotic.