Dicarbosil

Dicarbosil Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Calcium carbonate reacts with gastric acid to produce a salt and water. For calcium carbonate the postulated chemical reaction is:

CaCO3 + 2HCl = CaCl2 + H2O + CO2

Indicated in raised calcium requirement e.g. during pregnancy and lactation, and in children and adolescents at time of rapid growth, inadequate intake of calcium in the diet due to malnutrition, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, disorders of osteogenesis and tooth formation, latent tetany.

Gastric-peptic disease occurs as a result of an imbalance between protective factors, such as mucus, bicarbonate, and prostaglandin secretion, and aggressive factors, such as hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Antacids work by restoring acid-base balance, attenuating the pepsin activity and increasing bicarbonate and prostaglandin secretion. The acid-neutralizing capacity of calcium carbonate is 58 mEq/15 ml.When used as a nutritional supplement, calcium carbonate acts by directly increasing calcium stores within the body.

Trade Name Dicarbosil
Generic Calcium Carbonate
Calcium Carbonate Other Names Calcio carbonato, Calcium carbonate, Calcium carbonate (1:1), Calciumcarbonat, Carbonate de calcium, Carbonato de calcio, Kalziumkarbonat, Kohlensaurer kalk, Precipitated calcium carbonate
Type Oral suspension, oral tablet, oral tablet, chewable
Formula CCaO3
Weight Average: 100.087
Monoisotopic: 99.947335021
Protein binding

Calcium acts as a co-factor to numerous enzymes.

Groups Approved, Investigational
Therapeutic Class Minerals in bone formation, Specific mineral preparations
Manufacturer
Available Country United States
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Dicarbosil
Dicarbosil

Uses

Adult: One Dicarbosil 500 tablet or as directed by the physician. For the prevention of osteoporosis, 1-3 Dicarbosil 500 tablet is recommended generally as a dietary supplement . Doses for children is half of those for adults. A large dose should not be taken without physician\'s advice.

Adolescent: One to two Dicarbosil tablet daily.

Children: One Dicarbosil tablet daily.

Dicarbosil is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acid Reflux, Acid indigestion, Bloating, Calcium Deficiency, Calcium Metabolism Disorders, Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiencies, Colic, Dyspepsia, Gastric Ulcer, Gastroesophageal Reflux, Heartburn, Hemorrhoids, Hot Flushes, Hyperacidity, Hyperphosphataemia, Hypovitaminosis D, Low Bone Density, Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal Osteoporosis, Postoperative Gas, Proctitis, Vertebral Fractures, Calcium loss, Gastrointestinal ulceration, Dietary supplementation

How Dicarbosil works

Calcium carbonate is a basic inorganic salt that acts by neutralizing hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. It also inhibits the action of pepsin by increasing the pH and via adsorption. Cytoprotective effects may occur through increases in bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) and prostaglandins. Neutralization of hydrochloric acid results in the formation of calcium chloride, carbon dioxide and water. Approximately 90% of calcium chloride is converted to insoluble calcium salts (e.g. calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate).

Dosage

Dicarbosil dosage

Dicarbosil is always used orally and when used as an antacid the recommended doses for adults are equivalent to 540-2000 mg Dicarbosil per day, doses for children being half of those for adults. As a dietary supplement, such as for the prevention of osteoporosis, 1250-3750 mg Dicarbosil (500-1500 mg calcium) daily is recommended in general, but again this will need to be tailored to the individual patient depending on any specific disease such as Calcium deficiency, malabsorption or parathyroid function. In pregnancy and lactation therecommended daily dose of calcium is 1200-1500 mg. In chronic renal failure the doses used vary from 2.5 - 9.0 gm Dicarbosil per day and need to be adjusted according to the individual patient. To maximize effective phosphate binding in this context the Dicarbosil should be given with meals.

Side Effects

In rare cases, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation.

Precaution

In the presence of mild hypercalciuria, excretion levels must be carefully monitored and where necessary the dose of calcium carbonate should be reduced or treatment should be stopped. Patients with a history of stone formation should also be recommended to increase their fluid intake. High dosage of vitamin D should be avoided during Calcium therapy unless specifically indicated.

Interaction

Oral calcium can reduce internal absorption of tetracycline and fluoride prepa-rations and an interval of at least 3 hours should therefore be allowed between ingestion of these medications. Vitamin D increases internal absorption of calcium. The intestinal uptake of calcium may be reduced by concomitant ingestion of certain foods (e.g. spinach, milk and milk products).

Food Interaction

  • Take with or without food. Food increases the absorption of calcium carbonate, which may be advantageous in its use as a calcium supplement.

Volume of Distribution

Calcium is rapidly distributed taken up by skeletal tissues following absorption and distribution into extracellular fluids. Bone contains 99% of the body's calcium and the remaining 1% is approximately equally distributed between intracellular and extracellular fluids.

Elimination Route

Maximal absorption occurs at doses of 500 mg or less taken with food. Oral bioavailability depends on intestinal pH, the presence of food and dosage.

Elimination Route

Excreted mainly in the feces. The majority of renally filtered calcium is reabsorbed in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle and the proximal and distal convoluted tubules. Also secreted by sweat glands.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnant women : Calcium containing drugs are used widely in pregnancy by way of calcium supplement or antacid therapy. No relationship between malformation in general and calcium exposure has been noted.

Lactating mother : There is no contraindication to the use of calcium carbonate in lactating mother.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to the Dicarbosil or any inactive ingredient of the medication. Hypercalcemia (e.g. in hyperparathyroidism, overdosage of vitamin D, demineralizing tumours such as plasmacytomas and bone metastases), severe hypercalcuria, several renal insufficiency.

Special Warning

USE IN CHILDREN: Calcium carbonate has been extensively studied in children and infants with chronic renal failure and is both safe and effective.

USE IN ELDERLY: In case of elderly patients with renal failure when calcium carbonate is taken constipation may be troublesome one for this group. For this reason, monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate is of course indicated for elderly patients.

Storage Condition

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

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Dicarbosil

Dicarbosil contains Calcium Carbonate see full prescribing information from innovator Dicarbosil Monograph, Dicarbosil MSDS, Dicarbosil FDA label

FAQ

What is Dicarbosil used for?

Dicarbosil is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. Dicarbosil is a dietary supplement used when the amount of calcium taken in the diet is not enough. Calcium is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, nervous system, and heart.

How does Dicarbosil work?

Dicarbosil work by directly increasing calcium stores within the body.

What are the common side effects of Dicarbosil?

Common side effects of Dicarbosil are include;

  • upset stomach
  • vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • belching
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
  • increased urination
  • loss of appetite
  • metallic taste

Is Dicarbosil safe during pregnancy?

Normal daily intake of Dicarbosil appears to be safe and effective to use during pregnancy. Use of Dicarbosil  above the recommended dietary allowance during pregnancy should be avoided.

Is Dicarbosil safe during breastfeeding?

Dicarbosil is found in breast milk. When Dicarbosil is used at recommended doses, it is unlikely to be harmful to a nursing baby. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your breastfeeding questions.

Can I drink alcohol with Dicarbosil?

There's no known interaction between Dicarbosil and alcohol.

When is the best time to take Dicarbosil?

You need to take Dicarbosil with food, because it's easier for your body to absorb that way. You can take calcium citrate on an empty stomach or with food. To maximize your absorption of calcium, take no more than 500 mg at a time. You might take one 500 mg supplement in the morning and another at night.

How often can I take Dicarbosil?

Dicarbosil is usually taken three or four times a day.

How much Dicarbosil should I take a day?

Remember, the recommended amount for most adults is 1,000 mg per day and increases to 1,200 mg per day for women over 50 and men over 70. Therefore, if you typically only get around 500 mg per day through food and need 1,000 mg per day, then you can take one 500-mg supplement daily.

How long can I take Dicarbosil?

Do not take Dicarbosil as an antacid for more than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.

Is Dicarbosil bad for kidneys?

Dicarbosil administration is effective and safe in chronic kidney disease with normophosphatemia.

Is it better to take Dicarbosil in the morning or at night?

To maximize your absorption of calcium, take no more than 500 mg at a time. You might take one 500 mg supplement in the morning and another at night.

Who should not take Dicarbosil?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Can I take Dicarbosil on an empty stomach?

Dicarbosil should be taken with food. Stomach acid produced while eating helps your body absorb barnd.

Who should not take Dicarbosil?

Do not take Dicarbosil within 1-2 hours of taking other medicines. Dicarbosil may decrease the effectiveness of the other medicine. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease or stomach conditions. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I take too much Dicarbosil ?

Dicarbosil is not very poisonous. Recovery is quite likely. But, long-term overuse is more serious than a single overdose, because it can cause kidney stones and more serious damage to kidney function. High Dicarbosil  levels can also cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.

Is Dicarbosil harmful to humans?

Only in concentrated solid form or in very concentrated solutions is calcium carbonate potentially harmful. Direct eye or skin contact with pure crystals or powder can produce irritation. Inhalation of crystals or powder can be irritating to the respiratory tract.

What should I avoid while taking Dicarbosil ?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking Dicarbosil.

Can Dicarbosil affects my fertility?

Based on the available information, taking Dicarbosil is not expected to make it harder to become pregnant.

Can Dicarbosil affects my liver?

might have a preventive effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development.

*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
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