GEMCAL

Dosage : Soft gelatin capsule
Contains :  Calcitriol + calcium carbonate + zinc
Category : Dietary supplement
Uses : Prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency
Price :

Calcium is an essential mineral to support bone health and serves as a major therapeutic intervention to prevent and delay the incidence of osteoporosis (weak bones). Many individuals do not get optimum amount of calcium from diet and hence need calcium supplements.

 

Gemcal is composed of Calcitriol, Calcium carbonate and Zinc. Calcitriol is the physiologically active form of vitamin D, specifically the vitamin D3.

 

It regulates calcium in body by promoting absorption in the intestine, reabsorption in kidneys, and, along with parathyroid hormone, regulation of bone growth.

 

Its production is stimulated by low blood calcium levels and parathyroid hormone.

 

Calcium carbonate is indicated for prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency.

 

Zinc is an essential mineral and is known as an essential nutritional factor in the growth of human beings. It has a stimulatory effect on bone formation and mineralization. Zinc deficiency leads to bone growth retardation.

 

Zinc content of bone is found to decrease in aging, skeletal unloading, and postmenopausal conditions, suggesting its role in bone disorder. Oral administration of zinc has the restorative effect on bone loss and hence is prescribed in conditions including aging, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, estrogen deficiency, diabetes, fracture healing, etc.

 

Gemcal is a brand of Alkem Laboratories, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company with global operations in more than 50 countries internationally. Alkem is engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical and neutraceutical products. Established in 1973, Alkem has a comprehensive portfolio of over 700 brands covering all the major therapeutic segments. Alkem has been been ranked the No.1 Anti-infective company in India for the past 10 years.

The risks of too little calcium

 

If you don’t get enough calcium, you could face health problems related to weak bones:

 

Children may not reach their full potential adult height. Adults may have low bone mass, which is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Dosage

As directed by physician

Administration

As directed by physician

Adverse Reactions/ Side Effects

Significant: Hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria. Gastrointestinal disorders: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, pancreatitis. General disorders and administration site conditions: Weakness, hyperthermia, inj site reactions e.g. pain. Investigations: Increased LFT, increased BUN. Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Hypercholesterolaemia, dehydration, anorexia, weight loss, polydipsia. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: Muscle and bone pain, ectopic calcification. Nervous system disorders: Headache, somnolence, sensory disturbance, photophobia. Psychiatric disorders: Apathy, decreased libido. Renal and urinary disorders: Albuminuria, polyuria, nocturia, nephrocalcinosis. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Rhinorrhoea. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus. Vascular disorders: Hypertension.

Warnings and Precautions

Patient with malabsorption syndrome. Renal impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Avoid excessive vitamin D intake and maintain an adequate dietary Ca intake. Monitoring Parameters Monitor periodically serum Calcium, phosphorus, Magnesium, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels prior and during therapy and every dose adjustments; urinary Calcium (IV).

Contraindications

Hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification, vitamin D toxicity.

Drug Interactions

Increased risk of hypercalcaemia with thiazide diuretics. Decreased intestinal absorption with bile acid sequestrants (e.g. colestyramine, sevelamer). Decreased effects with CYP450-inducing anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), corticosteroids. May cause cardiac arrhythmias with digitalis. May cause hypermagnesaemia with Mg-containing agents (e.g. antacids) in dialysis patients. May cause over suppression of PTH with excessive vitamin D administration.

Overdosage

Symptoms: Hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia. Management: Induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage to avoid further absorption. May also induce faecal excretion with liquid paraffin. In case of persistent serum Ca increase, may give phosphates and corticosteroids and induce diuresis.

Storage

Intravenous: Store between 20-25°C. Protect from light. Oral: Store between 20-25°C. Protect from light. Topical/Cutaneous: Store between 20-25°C. Protect from light.

Mechanism of Action

Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It stimulates the vitamin D receptor in the intestine, kidneys, parathyroid gland and bone to promote Ca transport and absorption thus increasing serum Ca levels. It also stimulates bone resorption and renal tubular reabsorption of Ca thereby decreasing parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and maintaining Ca-phosphate homeostasis. Synonym: 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.

References

https://www.mims.com/india/drug/info/calcitriol/type=full&mtype=generic#Indications

https://www.ndrugs.com/?s=gemcal&t=dosage

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5280453#section=Top

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20035439

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