Calcium
Brand name:- calcinol, cipcal ,Milical, Calcium sandoze, Shelcal , Macalvit .
Calcium is a mineral found in over-the-counter supplements or prescription formulations used for the treatment of specific medical conditions related to calcium deficiency.
PREPARATION:-
1. Calcium carbonate (40% Ca) : It is an insoluble, tasteless and nonirritating salt. Reacts with gastric HCL to form cholride, and can be used as antacid. It is the most common salt present in calcium supplements, but gastric acid is required for converting it into the absorbable form . Calcium availability from it is poor in patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) ,H² blocker, and in elderly.
2. Calcium citrate ( as tetrahydrate , 21% Ca²+ ) : Slightly soluble in water, but dissolve well in presence of HCL . It is nonirritating and is used in supplements; absorption in patients taking PPIs/H² blocker and elderly is satisfactory.
3. Calcium gluconate (9% Ca) : is available as 0.5 g and 1g tablets and 10% injection (5ml amp. ) . It is nonirritating to g.i.t. and the vascular endothelium. A sense of warmth is produced on i.v . Injection: extravasation should be guarded. It is the preferred injectable salt.
4. Calcium lactate : ( 13% Ca) is given orally, nonirritating and well tolerated.
5. Calcium dibasic phosphate (23% Ca): is insoluble, reacts with HCL to form soluble chlorides in the stomach. It is bland ; used orally as antacid and to supplements calcium. Availability of calcium from it is reduced by PPIs and H2 blockers .
6. Calcium chloride ( 27% Ca ): It is freely soluble in water, but highly irritating to gastric mucosa and tissue; therefore not used.
Pharmacodynamic:-
Calcium (Ca2+) plays a pivotal role in the physiology and biochemistry of organisms and the cell. It plays an important role in signal transduction pathways, where it acts as a second messenger, in neurotransmitter release from neurons, contraction of all muscle cell types, and fertilization. Many enzymes require calcium ions as a cofactor, those of the blood-clotting cascade being notable examples. Extracellular calcium is also important for maintaining the potential difference across excitable cell membranes, as well as proper bone formation.
Mechanism of action:-
Calcium plays a vital role in the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of organisms and of the cell, particularly in signal transduction pathways. More than 500 human proteins are c known to bind or transport calcium. The skeleton acts as a major mineral storage site for the element and releases Ca2+ ions into the bloodstream under controlled conditions. Circulating calcium is either in the free, ionized form or bound to blood proteins such as serum albumin. Parathyroid hormone (secreted from the parathyroid gland) regulates the resorption of Ca2+ from bone. Calcitonin stimulates incorporation of calcium in bone, although this process is largely independent of calcitonin. Although calcium flow to and from the bone is neutral, about 5 mmol is turned over a day. Bone serves as an important storage point for calcium, as it contains 99% of the total body calcium. Low calcium intake may also be a risk factor in the development of osteoporosis. The best-absorbed form of calcium from a pill is a calcium salt like carbonate or phosphate. Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate are absorbed well by pregnant women. Seniors absorb calcium lactate, gluconate and citrate better unless they take their calcium supplement with a full breakfast. The currently recommended calcium intake is 1,500 milligrams per day for women not taking estrogen and 800 milligrams per day for women on estrogen. There is close to 300 milligrams of calcium in one cup of fluid milk. Calcium carbonate is currently the best and least expensive form of calcium supplement available.
Used:-
treatment and prevention of low calcium levels, muscle cramps, osteoporosis, softening of the bones, and PMS.
Side effects:-
Calcium supplements are usually well tolerated; only g.i. side effects like constipation, bloating and excess gas ( especially with cal. Carbonate) have been reported.
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