About Shelcal 500 Tablet
Shelcal 500 Tablet contains Calcium Carbonate 1250 mg + Cholecalciferol 250 IU. This supplement contains calcium and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, and vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food. It is used to prevent or treat low calcium and vitamin D levels, and to support bone health, for example in osteoporosis, pregnancy or old age, as advised by a doctor.
Uses of Shelcal 500 Tablet
- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency
- Support for bone health alongside osteoporosis treatment
- Extra calcium needs, such as in pregnancy, breastfeeding or older age, as advised by the doctor
Benefits
In calcium and vitamin D deficiency
It helps bring calcium and vitamin D levels back to normal, which supports strong bones and teeth and normal muscle and nerve function.
Side effects
Constipation and bloating are the most common side effects. Drinking water and eating fibre can help. Talk to your doctor if they bother you.
Common
- Constipation
- Bloating or wind
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
Get medical help if you notice
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme thirst, passing urine often, confusion or muscle weakness — may be too much calcium in the blood; stop and contact your doctor
- Pain in the side or back, or blood in the urine — may be a kidney stone; contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or throat — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor advised, with or after a meal. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. Do not take more than the recommended amount.
How it works
Calcium carbonate supplies calcium, which the body uses to build and keep bones strong. Vitamin D3 helps the gut absorb calcium and helps the body keep calcium in the right balance.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known. Heavy drinking is bad for bone health, so keep alcohol low.
Pregnancy Caution
It is often advised in pregnancy, but take only the dose your doctor recommends, as too much vitamin D or calcium can be harmful.
Breastfeeding Caution
It is often advised while breastfeeding. Take only the dose your doctor recommends.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or kidney stones. It should not be used in severe kidney disease without a doctor's advice.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with food for better absorption.
- Keep a gap of a few hours between this supplement and thyroid tablets, iron, and some antibiotics.
- Do not take extra vitamin D or calcium products at the same time unless your doctor advises.
- Eat calcium-rich foods and get some safe sunlight as part of good bone health.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Calcium salt + vitamin D3 (secosteroid)
- Therapeutic class
- Vitamins and minerals
- Action class
- Calcium and vitamin D supplement
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Levothyroxine | Calcium reduces its absorption; keep at least 4 hours apart |
| Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline) and quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin) | Calcium reduces their absorption; take them a few hours apart |
| Iron tablets and bisphosphonates (e.g. alendronate) | Calcium reduces their absorption; take them at different times |
| Thiazide water tablets (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide) | Higher risk of too much calcium in the blood |
| Digoxin | High calcium levels can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 tablets prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: calcium carbonate with colecalciferol). Pharmacist review pending.