Algecal Dx

 600 mg+400 IU Tablet
Opsonin Pharma Ltd.
Unit Price: ৳ 16.00 (3 x 10: ৳ 480.00)
Strip Price: ৳ 160.00
Indications
  • Prevention and Treatment of Calcium Deficiency: Used to prevent or treat calcium deficiency caused by inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and rickets.
  • Bone Health Support: Supports bone mineralization and reduces the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women and elderly patients.
  • Adjunct in Osteoporosis Management: Often used alongside other therapies for osteoporosis to maintain bone density.
  • Vitamin D3 Deficiency: Used to prevent or treat vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
  • Important Off-Label Uses:
    • Support in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) where calcium and vitamin D metabolism are impaired.
    • Adjunct to parathyroid hormone regulation disorders.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ ছাড়া ওষুধ সেবন করবেন না।

Dosage & Administration
  • Adults:
    • Typical calcium dose: 500–1000 mg elemental calcium daily, divided into 2–3 doses for optimal absorption.
    • Vitamin D3 dose: 600–2000 IU daily, depending on baseline vitamin D levels and physician recommendation.
  • Elderly:
    • Often higher vitamin D3 dose recommended (800–2000 IU daily) due to decreased synthesis capacity.
    • Calcium dose typically maintained around 1000–1200 mg/day elemental calcium.
  • Pediatric Use:
    • Dosage individualized based on age and deficiency status.
    • Calcium supplementation typically ranges from 200–1300 mg/day elemental calcium.
    • Vitamin D3 dose generally 400–1000 IU/day depending on age and clinical condition.
  • Renal Impairment:
    • Use with caution; monitor serum calcium and phosphate closely.
    • Dosage adjustments may be required based on renal function and serum levels.
  • Special Conditions:
    • In osteoporosis or malabsorption states, higher supplementation may be needed.
    • Administer with food to improve absorption.
    • Divide doses to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Algae Calcium provides bioavailable calcium ions necessary for skeletal mineralization and maintenance of bone structure, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and vascular function. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) enhances intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate by inducing calcium-binding proteins in the intestinal mucosa, promoting bone mineralization. Vitamin D3 also regulates parathyroid hormone secretion and calcium homeostasis, which together maintain serum calcium levels within a narrow physiological range.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Absorption:
    • Calcium from algae-derived sources is absorbed in the small intestine via active and passive transport.
    • Vitamin D3 is absorbed through the lymphatic system after incorporation into micelles in the small intestine.
  • Distribution:
    • Calcium is primarily distributed to bone and teeth; about 99% of total body calcium is stored in the skeletal system.
    • Vitamin D3 is distributed to liver and adipose tissue for metabolism.
  • Metabolism:
    • Vitamin D3 undergoes hydroxylation in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcidiol), then in the kidney to the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol).
  • Excretion:
    • Calcium is excreted primarily via the kidneys; balance regulated by renal reabsorption.
    • Vitamin D metabolites are eliminated in bile and urine.
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
  • Pregnancy:
    • Generally considered safe; calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients during pregnancy.
    • Adequate supplementation prevents maternal deficiency and supports fetal skeletal development.
  • Lactation:
    • Calcium and vitamin D3 are secreted in breast milk in small amounts.
    • Supplementation is usually safe and recommended to maintain maternal stores.
  • Note:
    • Excessive doses should be avoided due to risk of hypercalcemia.
    • Data on high-dose supplementation safety is limited; caution advised.
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary Class: Mineral supplement (Calcium) and Vitamin supplement (Vitamin D3).
  • Subclass: Bone metabolism regulator; Osteoporosis adjunct therapy.
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to algae calcium or vitamin D3 formulations.
  • Hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria.
  • Severe renal impairment or kidney stones unless under close medical supervision.
  • Vitamin D toxicity.
  • Certain granulomatous diseases (e.g., sarcoidosis) causing hypercalcemia.
Warnings & Precautions
  • Monitor serum calcium and phosphate in long-term use to avoid hypercalcemia and vascular calcification.
  • Use caution in patients with renal impairment or history of nephrolithiasis.
  • Early signs of toxicity: nausea, vomiting, polyuria, confusion.
  • Vitamin D overdose can cause hypercalcemia leading to cardiac arrhythmias or renal failure.
  • Use in patients on digoxin or thiazide diuretics requires careful monitoring due to interaction risks.
Side Effects
  • Common:
    • Mild gastrointestinal upset (constipation, bloating, gas).
    • Hypercalcemia symptoms if overdosed (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain).
  • Serious/Rare:
    • Kidney stones.
    • Hypervitaminosis D leading to hypercalcemia.
    • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling).
Drug Interactions
  • Drugs that decrease calcium absorption: corticosteroids, some anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital).
  • Drugs increasing calcium levels: thiazide diuretics (risk of hypercalcemia).
  • Vitamin D metabolism affected by: anticonvulsants and rifampin (induce CYP enzymes reducing vitamin D levels).
  • Calcium may reduce absorption of: tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates; separate administration by 2–4 hours.
  • Alcohol: excessive intake can affect vitamin D metabolism.
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • Recent osteoporosis management guidelines emphasize adequate calcium and vitamin D supplementation as foundational therapy.
  • FDA and EMA have clarified safe upper intake levels for calcium and vitamin D.
  • WHO supports vitamin D supplementation in populations at risk of deficiency.
  • Monitoring recommendations have increased for long-term high-dose use due to risks of hypercalcemia.
Storage Conditions
  • Store at controlled room temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F).
  • Protect from excessive moisture and direct sunlight.
  • Keep in original container tightly closed.
  • No refrigeration required.
  • Keep out of reach of children.