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Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Gemcal Capsule is used to treat low blood calcium levels. It increases calcium levels and provides essential nutrients that help maintain bone health. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as constipation or stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.
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Manufacturer/Marketer :

Alkem Laboratories Ltd

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

3 Days Returnable

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

About Gemcal Capsule

Gemcal Capsule is used to treat low blood calcium levels. Gemcal Capsule effectively treats various conditions caused by low calcium levels in the body, such as osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), osteomalacia/rickets (weak bones), hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), and latent tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels). Gemcal Capsule can also be given to pregnant, nursing, and postmenopausal women to ensure that they are getting enough calcium. Additionally, Gemcal Capsule is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and metabolic bone disease in people with chronic kidney disease, surgery, or other conditions.

Gemcal Capsule consists of three medicines: Calcium carbonate (mineral), Calcitriol (Vitamin D3), and  Zinc (mineral). Calcium is a mineral that is used to prevent or treat a calcium deficiency. It provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation and maintenance. Calcitriol is a synthetic version of Vitamin D3 and treats calcium deficiency with hypoparathyroidism (the parathyroid glands' decreased activity) and metabolic bone diseases in people with chronic kidney failure. It raises Vitamin D levels and thereby increases calcium levels in the blood. This helps in improving the absorption rate of calcium from the intestine. Zinc is a mineral that has an essential role in bone health. Zinc helps to stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and mineralization.

Take Gemcal Capsule as instructed by your doctor. In some cases, Gemcal Capsule can cause side effects like constipation or stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mood changes, weakness, tiredness, fast or pounding heartbeat, bone/muscle pain, and headache. Most of these side effects of Gemcal Capsule do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to Gemcal Capsule or its inactive components, please inform your doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule . Higher doses of Vitamin D than the recommended daily dose should be used in pregnant women only when advised by the doctor. Gemcal Capsule may pass into the breast milk. Hence, breastfeeding mothers need to seek medical advice before starting Gemcal Capsule . Gemcal Capsule may contain sugar or sorbitol; hence, caution should be taken to have sugar intolerance, diabetes, and phenylketonuria (increased levels of an amino acid called phenylalanine).

Uses of Gemcal Capsule

Treatment of Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal osteoporosis Osteomalacia, Rickets, Calcium deficiency and Tetany

Directions for Use

Tablet/Capsule: Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.

Medicinal Benefits

Gemcal Capsule is a combination of three drugs: Calcium carbonate (mineral), Calcitriol (Vitamin D3) and Zinc (mineral) used to treat low blood calcium levels and various associated conditions caused by low calcium levels in the body, such as osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), osteomalacia/rickets (weak bones), hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), and tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels). Calcium carbonate is a mineral and prevents or treats calcium deficiency. It helps to maintain bone and teeth health. Calcitriol, a synthetic form of Vitamin D3, treats calcium deficiency with hypoparathyroidism (the parathyroid glands' decreased activity) and metabolic bone diseases in people with chronic kidney failure. Zinc is an important mineral in the normal growth and development of the skeletal system. It helps maintain bone density by increasing protein synthesis, which helps protect bone health.

How Gemcal Capsule Works

Gemcal Capsule consists of three medicines: Calcium carbonate (mineral), Calcitriol (Vitamin D3), and  Zinc (mineral). Calcium is a mineral that is used to prevent or treat a calcium deficiency. It provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation and maintenance. Calcitriol is a synthetic version of Vitamin D3 and treats calcium deficiency with hypoparathyroidism (the parathyroid glands' decreased activity) and metabolic bone diseases in people with chronic kidney failure. It raises Vitamin D levels and thereby increases calcium levels in the blood. This helps in improving the absorption rate of calcium from the intestine. Zinc is a mineral that has an essential role in bone health. Zinc helps to stimulate osteoblastic bone formation and mineralization.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight
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Side Effects of Gemcal Capsule

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Mood changes
  • Tiredness/ weakness
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

What if I have taken an overdose of Gemcal Capsule

Take Gemcal Capsule only as suggested by the physician. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as it might cause an overdose. If you suspect you have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Warnings

If you are known to be allergic to Gemcal Capsule or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Gemcal Capsule . Higher doses of Vitamin D than the recommended daily dose should be used in pregnant women only when advised by the doctor. Calcitriol in higher doses may harm the fetus. Gemcal Capsule may pass into the breast milk; hence consult your doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule if you are a breastfeeding mother. Gemcal Capsule should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor. Calcitriol in Gemcal Capsule can affect growth in children. Inform your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Gemcal Capsule . Gemcal Capsule is not recommended if you have hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), metastatic calcification (extra deposits of calcium in the body), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), and malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food). Inform your doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule if you have any heart/kidney/liver/blood vessel diseases, kidney stones, sarcoidosis (growth of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body), Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease), Whipple's disease (bacterial infection affecting joints and digestive system), achlorhydria (little or no stomach acid), low levels of bile, and phosphate imbalance. Gemcal Capsule contains sugar or sorbitol; hence caution should be taken to have an intolerance to sugars, diabetes, and phenylketonuria (increased levels of an amino acid called phenylalanine).

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Calcium carbonateRaltegravir
Severe
Calcium carbonatePatiromer calcium
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Calcium carbonateRaltegravir
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule 15's may interfere with the absorption of Raltegravir and reduce its effectiveness.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Gemcal Capsule 15's with Raltegravir should be avoided. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns, the doctor may recommend alternatives that do not interact with raltegravir. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
Calcium carbonatePatiromer calcium
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule 15's may lower the effectiveness of Patiromer calcium in binding potassium.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule 15's can be taken with Patiromer calcium if prescribed by the doctor. Consult the prescriber if you experience symptoms such as metabolic alkalosis like nausea, vomiting, tremor, muscle twitching, lightheadedness, numbness or tingling, prolonged muscle spasms, slowed breathing, irregular heartbeat, and confusion. Do not discontinue the medication without a doctor's advice.
Calcium carbonateDigoxin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule 15's and Digoxin may increase the calcium levels may increase the effects of Digoxin

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule 15's can be taken with Digoxin if prescribed by the doctor. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
Calcium carbonateDolutegravir
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Co-administration of Dolutegravir with Gemcal Capsule 15's can reduce the effectiveness of dolutegravir.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule 15's can be taken with dolutegravir if prescribed by the doctor. However, dolutegravir and Gemcal Capsule 15's should not be taken orally at the same time. Maintain a gap of 2-6 hours between both medicines. Do not discontinue using any medications without consulting a doctor.
Calcium carbonateKetoconazole
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule 15's with Ketoconazole may decrease the effects of Ketoconazole.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule 15's can be taken with Ketoconazole if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintain a gap of 2 or more hours between both medicines. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting a doctor.
Calcium carbonateGefitinib
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule 15's may interfere with the absorption of Gefitinib and reduce its effectiveness.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, Gemcal Capsule 15's can be taken with Gefitinib if prescribed by the doctor. However, Gefitinib and Gemcal Capsule 15's should not be taken orally at the same time. Maintain a gap of 2-6 hours between both medicines. Do not discontinue using any medications without consulting a doctor.
Zinc sulfateDolutegravir
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Coadministration of dolutegravir with Gemcal Capsule 15's can reduce the efficacy of dolutegravir.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Dolutegravir and Gemcal Capsule 15's together can possibly result in an interaction, they can be taken together if prescribed by your doctor. It is advised to take dolutegravir either two hours before or six hours after taking a dose of Gemcal Capsule 15's. Do not discontinue using any medications without consulting a doctor.
ColecalciferolDihydrotachysterol
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Cholecalciferol and dihydrotachysterol are forms of vitamin D, and taking too much vitamin D may lead to toxic effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Gemcal Capsule 15's and dihydrotachysterol, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. If you notice any of these symptoms - irregular heartbeat, seizures, weakness, tiredness, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, feeling sick, dry mouth, strange taste in your mouth, muscle or bone pain, thirst, losing weight, eye infection, sensitivity to light, runny nose or itching - contact a doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ColecalciferolCalcitriol
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
Co-administration of Cholecalciferol and Calcitriol are forms of vitamin D, and taking too much vitamin D may lead to toxic effects.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Gemcal Capsule 15's and calcitriol, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. If you notice any of these symptoms - irregular heartbeat, seizures, weakness, tiredness, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, feeling sick, dry mouth, strange taste in your mouth, muscle or bone pain, thirst, losing weight, eye infection, sensitivity to light, runny nose or itching - contact a doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
ColecalciferolAluminium hydroxide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Gemcal Capsule 15's:
The combined use of aluminum hydroxide with Gemcal Capsule 15's may increase the risk of toxicity.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Gemcal Capsule 15's with Aluminium hydroxide can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you're having any of these symptoms like bone pain, muscle weakness, anemia, seizures, or dementia, it's important to contact your doctor right away. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.

Drug-Food Interactions

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CALCITRIOL-0.25MCG+CALCIUM CARBONATE-500MG+ZINC-7.5MGFiber rich foods
Moderate

Drug-Food Interactions

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CALCITRIOL-0.25MCG+CALCIUM CARBONATE-500MG+ZINC-7.5MGFiber rich foods
Moderate
Common Foods to Avoid:
Spinach

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Gemcal Capsule 15's with food containing oxalic acid (spinach or rhubarb) or phytic acid results in decreased absorption of Gemcal Capsule 15's. It is advised to take Gemcal Capsule 15's two hours before or after consumption of food containing oxalic acid or phytic acid.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Include dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, or milk-based custard in your diet.

  • Eat daily a serving of broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.

  • Snack on calcium-rich nuts like Brazil nuts or almonds.

  • Sprinkle sesame seeds over your food, vegetables, and salads. Sesame seeds are high in calcium.

  • Avoid or reduce the intake of caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol that inhibit calcium absorption.

  • Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for extra calcium in your food.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

MULTIMINERALS

Gemcal Capsule Substitute

Substitutes safety advice
  • Caldikind Capsule 10's

    9.68per tablet
  • Hhcal-Trol Capsule 15's

    16.50per tablet
  • Bonocal Soft Gelatin Capsule 10's

    by AYUR

    18.72per tablet
  • Gemful Capsule 15's

    18.00per tablet
  • Celcotriol CT Tablet 10's

    by AYUR

    11.61per tablet
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Alcohol

Caution

Drinking alcohol can affect calcium absorption; hence it is advised to limit the alcohol intake while using Gemcal Capsule .

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Pregnancy

Caution

During pregnancy, use higher doses of Gemcal Capsule than the daily dietary allowance only when advised by the doctor. Calcitriol in higher doses may harm the fetus. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before recommending Gemcal Capsule .

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Breast Feeding

Caution

Consult your doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule if you are breastfeeding. Gemcal Capsule can pass into the breast milk. If Gemcal Capsule is used during breastfeeding, please monitor the mother and the infant's serum calcium levels.

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Driving

Caution

No interaction was found/established.

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Liver

Caution

Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Gemcal Capsule . Hepatic impairment/liver disease can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of certain Vitamin D forms.

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Kidney

Caution

It is advised to seek doctor advice before starting Gemcal Capsule if you have kidney diseases like kidney stones or undergoing dialysis. Calcitriol in Gemcal Capsule increases inorganic phosphate levels in serum; hence caution should be taken in patients undergoing dialysis to maintain adequate phosphorus levels and avoid ectopic calcification (calcium deposition).

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Children

Caution

Gemcal Capsule should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor.

FAQs

Gemcal Capsule is used to treat Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal osteoporosis, Osteomalacia, Rickets, Calcium deficiency and Tetany.
Gemcal Capsule is a combination of three medicines, namely: Calcium carbonate, Calcitriol and Zinc. Calcitriol helps your body effectively absorb Calcium Carbonate and additionally supports the muscles needed to avoid falls. Calcium and Zinc help build and maintain bones. Collectively, Gemcal Capsule used to treat osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones), osteomalacia/rickets (weak bones), hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone), and tetany (a muscle disease with low blood calcium levels).
Gemcal Capsule is used to increase low levels of calcium in the body. Hence it is not advised to use Gemcal Capsule during hypercalcemia, since it causes the overdose of calcium leading to kidney stones and other effects.
Gemcal Capsule can cause kidney stones due to excess calcium deposition when used for a prolonged period. Please consult your doctor before taking Gemcal Capsule as a daily supplement if you have any kidney problems or a history of kidney stones.
Common side effects of Gemcal Capsule include constipation, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fast or pounding heartbeat, bone, or muscle pain.
Do not use Gemcal Capsule if you ate allergic to Gemcal Capsule or any other ingredients in it. Gemcal Capsule is not recommended in hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), metastatic calcification (extra deposits of calcium in the body), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), and malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food).

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Alkem Laboratories Limited, Devashish Building, Alkem House, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013.
Other Info - GEM0029

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