Indications

Ostocal JR 250 mg or 500 mg tablets are used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency when diet isn't enough. This can be caused by conditions such as hypoparathyroidism, chronic diarrhea, vitamin D deficiency, pregnancy, lactation, menopause, and renal failure. It's also increasingly used to manage high phosphate levels in patients with chronic kidney failure, including those on dialysis. It can provide short-term relief for upset stomach but is not recommended for long-term treatment of peptic ulcers.

Ostocal JR 1000 mg tablets are indicated for the quick relief of symptoms associated with excess stomach acid, such as acid indigestion, heartburn, and a sour or upset stomach.

Pharmacology

Calcium carbonate, the active ingredient, reacts with stomach acid to form salt, water, and carbon dioxide. This reaction increases the stomach's pH, which reduces the activity of pepsin in gastric secretions. Up to 30% of the calcium from an oral dose may be absorbed into the body.

Dosage & Administration

For 250 mg or 500 mg tablets:

• As an antacid: Adults should take the equivalent of 540-2000 mg of calcium carbonate per day. Children's doses are half of the adult dose.
• As a dietary supplement (e.g., for osteoporosis prevention): The general recommendation is 1250-3750 mg of calcium carbonate (500-1500 mg of elemental calcium) daily. This can be adjusted based on individual needs.
• During pregnancy and lactation: The recommended daily dose of elemental calcium is 1200-1500 mg.
• In chronic renal failure: Doses range from 2.5-9.0 g of calcium carbonate daily, adjusted per patient. To effectively bind phosphate, the tablets should be taken with meals.

For 1000 mg tablets: Take 2000-3000 mg when symptoms occur. This dose can be repeated hourly if needed, or as directed by a doctor.

Interaction

Ostocal JR may increase the heart-related effects of medications like digoxin. It can also interfere with the absorption of tetracycline preparations. If you have chronic kidney failure and are taking vitamin D, your doctor may need to adjust your vitamin D dose to avoid excessive calcium levels in the blood.

Contraindications

Do not use this product if you have high calcium levels in your blood or urine, kidney stones, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or hyperparathyroidism. If you are taking digoxin, your serum calcium levels should be carefully monitored. Calcium salts should be used with caution if you have sarcoidosis, kidney or heart disease, or are taking cardiac glycosides.

Side Effects

Orally administered calcium carbonate may cause gastrointestinal irritation and constipation. High blood calcium levels are rare but can occur if large doses are given to patients with chronic kidney failure.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Calcium-containing drugs are commonly used during pregnancy and lactation. Calcium carbonate can be safely used by lactating women.

Use in Special Populations

• Children: This medicine has been found to be safe and effective for children and infants with chronic kidney failure.
• Elderly: Elderly patients with renal failure may find constipation to be a problematic side effect. Therefore, monitoring serum calcium and phosphate levels is important for this group.

Therapeutic Class

This medication belongs to the therapeutic class of minerals used for bone formation and specific mineral preparations.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature.