Orocal D3 for vitamin D and calcium deficiency. How to use the drug?

Orocal D3 is used in the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency. D and calcium in the elderly and as an aid in the treatment of osteoporosis in patients at risk of vitamin D and calcium deficiency. The preparation is a combination drug containing vitamins and minerals. The medicine is in the form of over-the-counter chewable tablets.

Orocal D3, Orocal D3 lemon (Nycomed Pharma)

SUBSTANCE 1 tablet contains: 0,5 g of calcium (as calcium carbonate), 0,01 mg of cholecalciferol

ACTION

Orocal D3 is a combined preparation containing vitamins and minerals.

Orocal D3 – indications and dosage

Orocal D3 to prepare:

1. in the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency D and calcium in the elderly,
2. as an auxiliary in the treatment of osteoporosis in patients at risk of vitamin deficiency D and calcium.

Drug dosage

Orocal D3 is chewable tablets to be sucked or chewed. Do not exceed the recommended dose of the preparation.

1. Adults: 1 tablet 2 × / d.

Orocal D3 and contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Calcium D3 are:

1. hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the preparation, soy or peanuts,
2. hypercalciuria and the diseases leading to it,
3. hypercalcemia,
4. kidney stones,
5. hypervitaminosis D.

Orocal D3 – warnings

1. During long-term administration of Calcium D3 (especially in elderly patients treated with digitalis glycosides or diuretics), blood calcium levels and kidney function (blood creatinine levels) should be monitored.
2. Patients with a tendency to build up of mineral deposits in the urinary tract, in addition to monitoring kidney function, are advised to drink more fluids.
3. The dose should be reduced or treatment discontinued in the event of hypercalcaemia or renal dysfunction.
4. Orocal D3 should be used with caution in people with impaired renal function, in patients with sarcoidosis and in immobilized patients with osteoporosis, due to the content of vitamin D3. Monitoring of calcium and phosphate levels in the blood and urine is recommended (risk of soft tissue calcification and / or hypercalcaemia).
5. In people with severe renal impairment, forms of vitamin D other than calciferol should be used.
6. Extra doses of vitamin D and calcium should not be taken without consulting your doctor and monitoring your blood and urine calcium levels.
7. Orocal D3 contains aspartame and may be harmful for people with phenylketonuria.
8. Patients with hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not use the preparation because it contains sorbitol and sucrose.
9. Do not give the drug to children and adolescents.
10. In pregnant women, the preparation may be used only in cases of calcium and vitamin D deficiency and only after consulting a doctor. An overdose of vitamin D should be avoided.
11. Women during breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking the preparation.
12. There are no studies on the effect of the preparation on the ability to drive motor vehicles.

Orocal D3 and other substances

1. Reducing the absorption of calcium salts from the gastrointestinal tract is caused by chronic corticosteroids, excess lipid compounds in food, phytates (found in whole grain cereal products), oxalates (oxalic acid is found in e.g. spinach and rhubarb), phosphates, alcohol and smoking.
2. Oral calcium compounds reduce the absorption of tetracyclines; tetracyclines should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium intake.
3. Orocal D3 reduces the absorption of: iron, bisphosphonates and fluoride compounds (including fluoroquinolones) and anticoagulants (warfarin derivatives).
4. Concomitant use of the drug with thiazide diuretics increases the risk of hypercalcaemia. You should check your calcium levels regularly.
5. Orocal D3 may reduce the effect of verapamil and other calcium antagonists and increase the toxic effect of digitalis glycosides. An ECG should be performed regularly.
6. If it is necessary to use the above-mentioned drugs, a 3-hour interval should be left between their administration and the use of the preparation.
7. Vitamin D absorption can be reduced by cholestyramine, laxatives (such as paraffin oil).

Orocal D3 – side effects

During the use of Orocal D3, the following may occur: gastrointestinal disorders (constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria. Rarely: itching, rash, hives.