Preparation
Bonec (Calcium carbonate) is a film coated capsule shaped tablet containing Calcium carbonate USP 1.25 gm equivalent to 500 mg elemental calcium.
Indication
Bonec (Calcium carbonate) is used in the treatment of deficiency states of calcium and as a dietary supplement when intake may be inadequate. The dietary requirement varies with age and is relatively greater in childhood, pregnancy and lactation due to increased demand and in old age due to impaired absorption.
01. For dietary calcium supplementation:
Bonec (Calcium carbonate) may be used in pregnant and lactating women and in patients with osteomalacia, rickets, hypocalcaemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency or steatorrhoea. Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and latent tetany.
02. As a Phosphate binder in chronic renal failure patients:
Bonec (Calcium carbonate) is being used increasingly often to treat hyperphosphataemia in chronic renal failure as well as those on CAPD and haemodialysis. Many patients are unable to tolerate sufficient doses for complete phosphate control and require additional measures such as stringent dietary phosphate restriction or relatively small doses of aluminium hydroxide.
Contraindication
1. Hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism
2. Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis
3. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome 4. Concomitant digoxin therapy
Dosage & Administration
As a dietary calcium supplement, the recommended dose is 1.5 to 3 gm per 24 hours, according to the requirements of the patient. The reference calcium intake is 350 mg (1-3 years), to 550 mg (7-10 years) for children and 800 mg for female and 1000 mg for male in adolescents. The recommended dose of calcium for post-menopausal women is 1000 mg. During pregnancy and lactation the recommended dose is 1200 mg calcium per day.
As a phosphate binder in chronic renal failure patients, doses given range from 2.5 to 9 gm Calcium carbonate per 24 hours, depending on the needs of the patients.
Side Effect
The main symptomatic adverse effects in Calcium carbonate therapy relate to hyper calcaemia. However, constipation may be a problem with a normal serum calcium.
Precaution
Hypercalcaemia associated with excess Calcium carbonate therapy in both normal patients and those with renal failure is usually reversible on reduction or cessation of therapy.
Drug Interaction
Calcium carbonate may enhance the cardiac effect of digoxin and may interfere with the absorption of concomitantly administered tetracycline preparations. Phosphate absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is reduced by Calcium carbonate. For better absorption of each medicine at least 2-3 hours interval should therefore be allowed between administrations of these medicines.
Presentation
Box containing 10 x 10 tablets in blister pack.
