Description

Cal-500 Chew Tab is a versatile calcium supplement designed to support individuals with inadequate dietary calcium intake. Manufactured by Petrus Pharmaceuticals, each chewable tablet contains 1,250 mg of calcium carbonate, providing 500 mg of elemental calcium. This formulation is intended to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, making it suitable for those with conditions such as hypocalcemia, osteomalacia, and rickets.

Tablet Features

• Appearance: The tablets are round, white, uncoated, and convex, with possible small specks. Each tablet is embossed with "Cal-500."
• Flavour Options: Available in spearmint or orange, depending on the source.
• Pack Size: Typically packaged with 120 tablets per bottle, though some variations may include 100 tablets.

Recommended Usage

For adults, the suggested dosage is one or two tablets daily, taken with fluid after meals or as advised by a healthcare professional. The tablets can be chewed, swallowed, or sucked, and for optimal absorption, doses over 600 mg should be divided throughout the day and taken with food.

Inactive Ingredients

The tablets contain several excipients, including xylitol, povidone, magnesium stearate, sucralose, isomalt, orange flavouring, mono- and di-fatty acid glycerides, aspartame, and sorbitol. Notably, they are free from added sugar, lactose, gluten, salt, yeast, dairy products, artificial preservatives, and colourings.

Allergen Information

• Contains aspartame, which requires caution for phenylketonurics.
• Suitable for sodium-restricted diets.
• Contains isomalt, making it unsuitable for individuals with hereditary fructose intolerance.

Storage Instructions

Store the tablets below 25°C, ensuring the container is tightly closed to protect from moisture. The product boasts a shelf life of three years.

Precautions

Cal-500 Chew Tab is not recommended for individuals with hypersensitivity to its ingredients, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D overdose, severe renal failure not on dialysis, or renal calculi. Caution is advised for those with renal insufficiency, achlorhydria, heart disease, pancreatic disease, sarcoidosis, and malabsorption syndrome.

Potential Drug Interactions

The supplement may interact with medications such as digoxin, phosphate binders, bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, estramustine, levothyroxine, quinolone antibiotics, thiazide diuretics, iron, zinc, and strontium ranelate.

Adverse Effects

Common side effects include constipation, upset stomach, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. More serious effects may involve nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, mental or mood changes, bone or muscle pain, headache, increased thirst or urination, weakness, unusual tiredness, pruritus, rash, urticaria, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and milk-alkali syndrome.

Special Populations

The product is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with a recommended maximum daily calcium intake of 2,500 mg.

Regulatory Information

Cal-500 Chew Tab is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. It is categorized under mineral supplements in the alimentary tract and metabolism category.

Usage Instructions

Users are advised to always read the label and follow the directions for use to ensure safe and effective supplementation.