Introduction About GEMCAL CAPSULE

GEMCAL CAPSULE is also used to manage hypoparathyroidism (changes to parathyroid glands that may decrease the blood calcium too low), rickets or osteomalacia (softening and weakening of bones in children and adults, respectively, due to a lack of adequate vitamin D), after small bowel resection, and psoriasis (a disease in which skin becomes dry with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp).

Avoid taking GEMCAL CAPSULE within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (Ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (Ex. brain), or phytic acid (Ex. whole cereals). GEMCAL CAPSULE is not recommended for patients having diseases and/or conditions resulting in hypercalcaemia and/or hypercalciuria (ex. myeloma, bone metastases, primary hyperparathyroidism) and hypervitaminosis D.

GEMCAL CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function and kidney problems such as nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and renal failure.

GEMCAL CAPSULE is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women, children, or adolescents unless considered necessary. GEMCAL CAPSULE should be avoided by breastfeeding women. GEMCAL CAPSULE should be used with caution with elderly patients.

The common side effects of GEMCAL CAPSULE are muscle pain, weakness, headache, excessive sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, and dry mouth. If any of these become worse, contact your doctor.

• Chronic renal failure
• Renal osteodystrophy
• Osteoporosis
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Parathyroidectomy
• Vitamin D-dependent rickets
• Osteocalcaemia
• Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesemia after small bowel resection
• Psoriasis

Before taking GEMCAL CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• medicines used to manage edema and blood pressure [Ex. chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, and metolazone]
• medicines used to suppress the immune system [Ex. cortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone]
• digoxin (used in the management of heart problems)
• cholestyramine (a medicine used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood
• paraffin oil (used to manage constipation)
• levothyroxine (used to manage an underactive thyroid gland)
• medicines used in the management of bacterial infections [Ex. tetracycline, sparfloxacin, ofloxacin, penicillamine, and norfloxacin]
• medicines used to manage epilepsy [Ex. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone]
• ketoconazole (used to manage fungal infections)

B. Drug-Food interactions:

Avoid taking GEMCAL CAPSULE within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (Ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (Ex. bran), or phytic acid (Ex. whole cereals).

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of GEMCAL CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose are nausea, severe vomiting, dehydration, and restlessness.

A: GEMCAL CAPSULE is used in the management of hypocalcaemia, rickets or osteomalacia, hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism, osteodystrophy, and osteoporosis to increase blood calcium. It also maintains the balance of calcium and phosphate metabolism in the body.

Q: Does GEMCAL CAPSULE have vitamin D?

A: Yes, GEMCAL CAPSULE contains calcitriol, which acts as an active form of fat-soluble vitamin D. It helps increase intestinal absorption of calcium and acts as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Q: What are the side effects of GEMCAL CAPSULE?

A: GEMCAL CAPSULE may cause constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling thirsty, bone pain, stomach pain, frequent urination, and muscle weakness due to its effect on the blood calcium level. If any of these symptoms bother you, consult your doctor immediately.

Q: Is GEMCAL CAPSULE good for health?

A: GEMCAL CAPSULE contains vitamin D and calcium, which help strengthen bones and improve the overall quality of bones. Calcium is also required for the optimal functioning of muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. Hence, taking this medicine is good for your overall health.

Q: How do I take GEMCAL CAPSULE?

A: Always take GEMCAL CAPSULE as instructed by your doctor and continue to follow any advice about diet recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly because the symptoms may return.

2. Lung BE, Mowery ML, Komatsu DEE. Calcitriol. National Library of Medicine. [Revised in November 2021] [Accessed on 9th February 2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526025/

3. Ciplamed. Calzem capsules. [Revised in November 2013] [Accessed on 9th February 2024] https://www.ciplamed.com/product-index/calzem-capsules

4. DM pharma. Caldific CZ. [Accessed on 9th February 2024] https://www.dmpharma.co.in/Calcium%20carbonate,%20Zinc%20&%20Calcitriol%20Soft%20Gelatin%20Capsule.html