Calci-Chew D3

Calci-Chew D3 is a chewable tablet containing calcium carbonate and colecalciferol (vitamin D3), prescribed for the prevention and treatment of calcium and vitamin D deficiency.

It is widely used as an adjunct to specific osteoporosis therapies such as bisphosphonates, where adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is essential for optimal bone health.

Calcium is the principal mineral constituent of bone. When dietary calcium intake is insufficient, the body draws calcium from the skeleton, weakening bones over time.

Supplementation ensures that plasma calcium levels remain adequate, supporting bone mineralisation and reducing the rate of bone loss, particularly in postmenopausal women and elderly patients.

Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in calcium absorption from the gut. Without adequate vitamin D, even a generous calcium intake may be poorly utilised.

Colecalciferol is converted in the liver and kidneys to its active form, calcitriol, which enhances intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and regulates bone turnover.

Calci-Chew D3 is commonly prescribed for older adults, patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy, those with limited sun exposure, and individuals at elevated risk of osteoporotic fracture.

Chew one tablet once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. The tablets may be taken with or without food.

For best absorption, spread doses throughout the day rather than taking them all at once. Drink a glass of water after chewing if desired.

Do not take Calci-Chew D3 within two hours of certain other medications, including bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, iron supplements, and thyroid hormones, as calcium can interfere with their absorption.

Continue taking the supplement for as long as your prescriber advises. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember and continue with your usual schedule.

The usual dose is one to two tablets daily, providing 500 to 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D3.

Your prescriber will determine the appropriate dose based on your dietary calcium intake, vitamin D levels, and the condition being treated.

Elderly patients and those on osteoporosis treatment typically require at least 1,000 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily from diet and supplements combined.

Dose adjustments may be needed if serum calcium or urinary calcium levels are elevated.

Constipation, flatulence, bloating, and nausea are the most commonly reported gastrointestinal effects.

These tend to be mild and may improve with dose adjustment or by switching to a different calcium salt.

Hypercalcaemia (elevated blood calcium) may occur with excessive supplementation or in patients with impaired renal function. Symptoms include thirst, nausea, frequent urination, and confusion.

Hypercalciuria (excess calcium in the urine) can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Skin rashes and itching have been reported rarely. Vitamin D toxicity is very unlikely at standard supplemental doses but may occur if multiple vitamin D-containing products are taken simultaneously.

Patients with a history of kidney stones should use calcium supplements with caution and ensure adequate fluid intake.

Periodic monitoring of serum calcium and renal function is recommended in patients on long-term supplementation, particularly those with renal impairment.

Do not exceed the recommended dose without medical advice. Taking excessive amounts of calcium and vitamin D can lead to hypercalcaemia and soft-tissue calcification.

Inform your prescriber of all other medications you are taking, as calcium interacts with several commonly used drugs. Use with caution in patients taking cardiac glycosides such as digoxin.

Calci-Chew D3 is contraindicated in patients with hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, conditions leading to hypercalcaemia (such as sarcoidosis, hyperparathyroidism, or bone metastases), severe renal impairment, or nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).

It should not be used by individuals with known hypersensitivity to calcium carbonate, colecalciferol, or any of the tablet's excipients, including soya and peanut derivatives where present.