Lack of proper nutrition often leads to deficiency of certain important elements which are very much required for nourishment of the body. One of the important elements is Calcium which plays a critical role in the normal functioning of cells, muscle, nerves and bones. Gemcal Capsules are used to supplement the calcium deficiency in the body. These capsules are manufactured by Alkem Labs.
Uses & Benefits of Gemcal:
This medicine is mainly dispensed as a dietary supplement for prevention, control and treatment of ailments related to Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. However its application also covers the below mentioned conditions and symptoms:
- To fulfil the Vitamin D deficiency which often causes bone and muscle soreness.
- In Rickets/Osteomalacia condition to provide for the treatment of softening and weakening of bones.
- To cure Diarrhoea in children and adults
- To improve the haemoglobin count in the blood thereby preventing the condition Anaemia.
- For better absorption of nutrients in the food.
- For Heartburn and Acid Indigestion in the stomach.
- For treatment of Wilson’s disease.
- For treatment of age related vision loss and loss of sensation.
- To cure blood clotting problems.
- For any other condition resulting from Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency in the body.
Side Effects of Gemcal:
Common side-effects of Gemcal medicine are stomach pain, headache, weakness and dry mouth. Mentioned below are the other possible side-effects which may occur on consumption of the medicine under consideration. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist longer.
- Loss of Appetite
- Skin Irritation
- Stomach Bloating
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Bone and Muscle Soreness
- Increase in blood creatinine levels causing fatigue, dehydration, shortness of breath and confusion
- Constipation
- Irregular sleep
- Difficult to urinate
Common Dosage of Gemcal:
Gemcal medicine is mainly taken as a dietary and nutritional supplement. So normal dosage is 1 capsule/day to be taken orally with water. Do not chew or crush the tablet. However nutritional needs may vary from person to person. Consult your physician to evaluate the right dosage required to match your needs.
Gemcal Price in India:
- Gemcal Soft Gelatine Capsule (15 Tablets): INR 260
- Gemcal Plus Soft Gelatine Capsule (10 Tablets) : INR 212
- Gemcal – D3 Capsule (10 Tablets) : INR 79
- Gemcal Nasal Spray (3.7 ml) : INR 1734.50
- Gemcal P Syrup (150 ml) : INR 121
- Gemcal Suspension (120 ml) : INR 158
- Gemcal – Kit (1 Tablet) : INR 194
- Gemcal Pro Suspension (200 ml) : INR 129
Composition And Nature of Gemcal:
Gemcal capsule is a compound of Calcium Carbonate, Calcitriol and Zinc in the ratio of 500 MG, 0.25 MCG and 7.5 MG respectively. While Calcium is found in abundance in Calcium Carbonate, Calcitriol being a synthetic Vitamin D source regulates the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body. Zinc on the other hand augments the immunity system of the body.
How to Use Gemcal?
Follow the directions as directed by the doctor regarding the consumption of the medicine. It is better to take Gemcal on an empty stomach. It is advised to not to eat or drink anything at least for half an hour after taking this medicine. Swallow it whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine before consumption.
When Gemcal Capsule is prescribed?
Gemcal is a type of Vitamin D that helps the body in absorbing calcium and phosphate. The medicine is used to cure the fluctuating levels of the parathyroid hormone in the body. Doctors prescribe this medicine to the patients who are undergoing chronic kidney dialysis to manage their low levels of calcium. The drug is also used for the treatment of osteoporosis..
How Gemcal Capsule Works?
Gemcal is majorly a composite of Calcium Carbonate and Calcitriol. It works by supplying the abundant calcium to the blood which carries it to all parts of the body. Calcitriol acts as an agent who regulates the proper absorption and utilization of the secreted calcium.
Related Warnings/Precautions – When to avoid Gemcal?
Refrain from using the medication if you have any of the below mentioned conditions at the time of taking the medicine:
- Allergic reactions/ Hypersensitivity to synthetic elements consumption
- Any Kidney disease or Kidney stone
- Irregular Bowel movements
- Dehydration
- Bone Tumours
- Cardiac Problems
- High phosphate and calcium levels in blood
- Active Peptic Ulcer
Additional precautions should be taken while administering the medication such as:
- Do not take this medicine in larger dose and avoid consuming it within 2 hours of taking any other drug.
- This medicine should not be given to infants unless prescribed by the physician.
- Consult your doctor before starting this medication during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
- Make sure to inform your doctor about your past and present medical history before going on Gemcal dosage.
Substitutes for Gemcal Capsule:
Any tablet which is a compound of Calcium Carbonate, Calcitriol and Zinc can be used in place of Gemcal. Common substitutes for the same are:
- Dailycal Ortho Tablet
- Calten Cap
- Triozac Capsule
- Rockbon Tablet
- Calgel Cap
- Calbec Gems Tab
- Calcitol 500mg Tab
- Calzac Ct Tab
- Caltroy Plus Cap
- Calcosure Cap
- Caldison Ct Cap
- Calway C Cap
- Citical Ct Cap
- Drocal Ct Tab
These generic substitutes contain the mixture of the above mentioned elements in the same ratio and possibly have same interactions and side-effects as that of Gemcal.
Gemcal Capsule Interactions with Other Drugs:
There are certain numbers of drugs or chemicals which may interact poorly with Gemcal compound resulting in augmenting its side-effects. It is always advisable to consult your physician before going on Gemcal dosage. Common drugs which may interact with the said medicine are:
- Amikacin
- Amiloride
- Amlodipine
- Alendronate
- Acetaminophen
Medicines not to be taken with Gemcal:
- Acetaminophen
- Alendronate
- Alternagel
- Amlodipine
- Ascorbic acid
- Aspirin
- Atorvastatin
- Butalbital
How to store Gemcal Capsule?
It is advisable to store the medicine in a cool and dry place away from the reach of children and pets. The packaging of the medicine must be kept intact in order to maintain its effect when being administered.
Is Gemcal Banned in India?
Gemcal is a dietary supplement which is legal in India. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking this medicine.
Variants of Gemcal:
The various variants of Gemcal are:
- Gemcal Soft Gelatine Capsule
- Gemcal Plus Soft Gelatine Capsule
- Gemcal – D3 Capsule
- Gemcal Nasal Spray
- Gemcal P Syrup
- Gemcal – Kit
- Gemcal Suspension
- Gemcal Pro Suspension
Suspension form Gemcal Capsule:
Gemcal is available in both tablet as well as suspension form. The suspension forms are available in three forms – Gemcal P Syrup, Gemcal Suspension and Gemcal Pro Suspension
FAQ’s:
1) What is Gemcal used to treat?
Ans: Gemcal is a dietary supplement, containing Vitamin D that helps the body in absorbing calcium and phosphate. The medicine is used to cure the fluctuating levels of the parathyroid hormone in the body. It is also used to treat osteoporosis.
2) What are the side effects of Gemcal?
Ans: Gemcal is a dietary supplement that does not show any major side-effect on body yet, some mild side-effects include headache, back pain, indigestion, heartburn and diarrhoea.
3) Is Gemcal safe to use?
Ans: Gemcal is classified as a dietary supplement and shows no major side-effects. Hence, it is safe to consume, except in case of pregnancy and lactation. However, always consult a doctor before taking it.
4) Is Gemcal a narcotic substance or a steroid?
Ans: Gemcal is neither a narcotic substance nor a steroid; it is a balanced mixture of Vitamin D, Calcium and other minerals It is used to fulfil the deficiency of calcium and phosphate in the body.
5) Is Gemcal Capsule advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Ans: This medicine is generally prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Rationale for the same being it helps in bone-building and bone strengthening process of the foetus and boosts the immunity of the infants. However it is always advisable to consult your doctor before administering the use of Gemcal drug.
6) Is this medicine addictive or habit forming?
Ans: This medicine fall under the category of generic drugs which do not come with the potential of addiction or habit forming substances. Usually government classify the addictive medicines as controlled substances which are available only after furnishing doctor’s prescription. However do not self medicate irrespective of whichever drug you are taking as it may increase the body’s dependency on such medications.
7) Can Gemcal capsule usage be stopped immediately or it should be gradual?
Ans: It depends on use the said medication is put to. If it is being taken for the treatment of specified condition then doctor’s recommendation is required for the same. If it’s being taken as a dietary supplement then it can be stopped provided there is no more need for the supplement to be taken. Whichever the case it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any decision.
8) What is the time span after which improvements can be experienced after taking the medicine?
Ans: Normally it takes around 1-2 months for the significant improvements to be seen in the conditions. However time span may vary from person to person and it also depends upon the ailment for which medicine is being administered. Consult your doctor if it takes longer than expected time.
9) How the medicine should be consumed Empty Stomach, Before Food or After Food?
Ans: There is no hard and fast rule regarding the consumption of Gemcal capsule and its relation with the food. However it’s better to follow your doctor’s advice on the consumption pattern of the medicine as its application may vary from person to person and also depends on the type of ailment.
10) Can I take Gemcal capsule with alcohol?
Ans: Though no interaction has been found between Gemcal and alcohol, it is advisable to not to consume with alcohol has it may reduce the efficiency of the drug while increasing the risk of side-effects.
11) How does Gemcal work?
Ans: Gemcal is a dietary supplement that is a combination of Vitamin D, calcium, phosphate and some other minerals. This medicine is used to maintain and balance parathyroid hormone in the body by helping in the absorption of calcium and phosphate.
12) Can I take Gemcal with Paracetamol?
Ans: From mild to moderate, a number of interactions have been reported between Gemcal and Acetaminophen thereby making it unsafe to consume with Paracetamol.
13) When to take Gemcal Capsule?
Ans: Take Gemcal tablet right in the morning, after getting up from bed. It is recommended not to eat or drink anything at least for half an hour after taking this medicine. Also, swallow it as a whole; do not chew, crush or break it.
