Calcium/cholecalciferol is a combination of a calcium salt and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It is used to prevent and treat lack of calcium and vitamin D in the elderly, as well for osteoporosis in combination with other medications.[1][2]

Calcium/cholecalciferol
Combination of
Calcium in biologyMineral nutrient
CholecalciferolVitamin
Clinical data
Trade namesCalcitrate with D, Citracal + D, others
AHFS/Drugs.comMultum Consumer Information
Routes of
administration
By mouth
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
CAS Number

In 2021, the combination, calcium/vitamin D was the 181st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions.[3][4]

Adverse effects

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Possible side effects include gastrointestinal problems, for example nausea and constipation. If very high doses are taken, signs of hypercalcaemia (abnormally high blood calcium levels) have been described, such as stomach pain, vomiting, thirst, and tiredness. Extreme or long-term or overdose can theoretically result in hypervitaminosis D, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and calcinosis.[1][2]

Interactions

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Calcium forms complexes with a number of pharmaceutical drugs, reducing their bioavailability; among them are tetracyclines, quinolone antibiotics, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates, as well as iron, magnesium and zinc supplements. Vitamin D in usual doses has no relevant interactions.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Multum Consumer Information on calcium and vitamin D combinations.
  2. ^ a b c Haberfeld H, ed. (2015). Austria-Codex (in German). Vienna: Österreichischer Apothekerverlag. Cal-D-Vita-Kautabletten.
  3. ^ "The Top 300 of 2021". ClinCalc. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  4. ^ "Calcium Phosphate; Cholecalciferol - Drug Usage Statistics". ClinCalc. Retrieved 14 January 2024.