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Calcichew-D3

Quick links to important sections

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Calcichew-D3

Property Description
Active Ingredients Calcium Carbonate, Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Form Chewable tablet
Pharmacological Class Mineral supplement (Calcium, combinations with Vitamin D)
General Use Correcting Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency
Origin Derived/Synthetic

Calcichew-D3 is formally classified as a Mineral supplement, specifically a Calcium and Vitamin D preparation, functioning as a combination medicine intended to address specific nutritional deficiency states. It delivers two essential active components within a single oral preparation, supporting the body’s fundamental requirements for mineral balance, a principle that is clinically recognized for maintaining skeletal health across various patient groups.

Composition and Pharmaceutical Form of Calcichew-D3

The active ingredients in Calcichew-D3 are Calcium Carbonate and Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3), supplied as a distinctive chewable tablet for oral administration. Calcium Carbonate acts as a source of Elemental Calcium, a crucial mineral component for structural support. The second component, Colecalciferol, is the specific form of Vitamin D3. The combination is designed to be effective because Vitamin D3 is required to facilitate the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body. This particular brand's chewable tablet form provides a practical alternative for individuals who may have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets.

General Purpose: Supporting Bone Health Maintenance

The general purpose of this combination medicine is to serve as an agent in the prevention and treatment of combined calcium deficiency and Vitamin D deficiency. The product is typically used as an osteoporosis prophylactic measure and as an adjunct to specific treatments, particularly in elderly patients where deficiency state scenarios are common. This dual action supports the maintenance of mineral homeostasis and ensures bone health maintenance by providing the necessary materials and the regulatory mechanism for their absorption.

Regulatory References

  1. Calcium Carbonate: MedlinePlus Drug Information
  2. Calcichew-D3 500 mg/200 IU Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)
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What side effects are possible with Calcichew-D3?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section outlines the officially documented adverse reactions and safety constraints for Calcichew-D3, based strictly on government regulatory documents such as the EMA Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).


Adverse Reactions by Frequency

Side effects are categorized by their official frequency classification:

Frequency Classification System Organ Class Adverse Reactions
Uncommon (May affect up to 1 in 100 people) Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypercalcaemia (high calcium in the blood), Hypercalciuria (high calcium in the urine)
Rare (May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation, Nausea, Flatulence, Abdominal pain, Diarrhoea
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Pruritus (itching), Rash, Urticaria (hives)
Very Rare (May affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) Metabolism and nutrition disorders Milk-alkali syndrome (usually seen in overdose)
Frequency Not Known (Cannot be estimated) Immune system disorders Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., Angio-oedema, Laryngeal oedema)

Key Safety Restrictions and Limitations

Official regulatory labeling dictates specific limitations for safe use:

  • Contraindications: Calcichew-D3 is strictly contraindicated in conditions leading to Hypercalcaemia or Hypercalciuria, severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 mL/min), a history of renal calculi (kidney stones), and Hypervitaminosis D.
  • Long-Term Use: Regulatory documents mandate the monitoring of serum calcium levels and renal function (serum creatinine) for patients on long-term treatment.
  • Special Populations: Caution is required in patients with Sarcoidosis or immobilised osteoporosis due to altered risk. Use during pregnancy is limited to the treatment of deficiency, with strict limits on the maximum daily intake of calcium and Vitamin D to prevent foetal hypercalcaemia.
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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose of Calcichew-D3 (Calcium Carbonate and Colecalciferol) leads to officially documented states of Hypercalcaemia (excessive calcium in the blood) and Hypervitaminosis D.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

System Affected Regulatory-Listed Symptoms
Gastrointestinal Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Systemic/Renal Thirst, fatigue, muscle weakness, polyuria, and mental disturbances.

Severe Outcomes and Emergency Action

Severe manifestations of hypercalcaemia, as stated in regulatory documents, include irreversible renal damage, soft tissue calcification, and potentially life-threatening complications like cardiac arrhythmias and coma.

Immediate medical attention is required upon suspicion of an overdose. The regulatory guidance instructs patients to stop taking the medicine and talk to a doctor or pharmacist immediately if symptoms such as unusual weakness, frequent urination, or persistent vomiting occur.

Supportive Management

Management of an overdose is officially described as symptomatic and supportive. The primary procedural steps mandated by regulators include discontinuation of the product and initiation of rehydration. Treatment procedures may involve pharmacological agents such as loop diuretics or bisphosphonates. There is no specific antidote documented in the official prescribing information; management relies on clinical observation and continuous monitoring of serum electrolytes, renal function, and, in severe cases, the ECG.

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Therapeutic Uses of Calcichew-D3

Quick Facts on Uses

  • Addresses: Vitamin D and calcium deficits.
  • Supports: Bone health maintenance in patients with established needs.
  • Adjunctive Role: Used alongside specific treatments for certain bone conditions.

What Calcichew-D3 Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Calcichew-D3 is indicated for the management of established vitamin D and calcium deficiencies. This supplement contributes to addressing inadequate intake of these essential nutrients, which may be a factor in certain patient populations, particularly the elderly. The combination formulation provides essential compounds required for maintaining adequate levels of calcium in the body.

Additionally, this medicinal product is used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of osteoporosis for individuals identified as being at risk of concurrent vitamin D and calcium deficits. It provides a therapeutic supplement intended to support bone density management when prescribed as part of a wider treatment plan.

Consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine the suitability of this preparation for individual therapeutic needs, such as for the prevention and treatment of deficiencies.

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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The use of Calcichew-D3 is restricted based on an individual's existing calcium and vitamin D levels, kidney health, and life stage, as defined by official regulatory bodies.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

This medicine must not be used if any of the following conditions are present:

  • Hypercalcaemia or Hypercalciuria (high levels of calcium in the blood or urine).
  • Hypervitaminosis D (excessive amounts of Vitamin D in the body).
  • Severe Renal Impairment or Renal Calculi (kidney stones).
  • Hypersensitivity (allergy) to the active substances (calcium, colecalciferol) or any other ingredient in the formulation.

Age and Conditional Use Rules

Population Group Eligibility Status (Regulatory Basis)
Adults and Elderly Eligible (Intended population for supplementation).
Paediatric Population Generally Not Recommended (Not intended for use in children and adolescents).
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Conditional Use (Can be used for documented deficiency, but daily intake must be strictly limited to prevent overdose).
Impaired Renal Function Restricted Use (Requires caution and monitoring; must not be used if the impairment is severe).
Sarcoidosis or Immobilization Restricted Use (Requires caution and close monitoring of calcium levels due to increased risk of hypercalcaemia).
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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Co-administration of Calcichew-D3 (Calcium Carbonate and Colecalciferol) with other substances results in officially documented interaction patterns that necessitate specific time separation rules or mandatory clinical monitoring, as defined by regulatory authorities.

Pharmacodynamic and Metabolic Interactions

  • Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin): Hypercalcaemia resulting from the co-administration may increase the toxicity and accentuation of the glycoside's effects.
  • Thiazide Diuretics: These medicines reduce the urinary excretion of calcium, leading to an increased risk of elevated calcium levels (hypercalcaemia).
  • Enzyme Inducers: The effects of the Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) component can be decreased by drugs that increase its metabolic breakdown, such as Phenytoin and Barbiturates.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions and Administration Timing

Calcium Carbonate can reduce the absorption of co-administered medicines, requiring separation of doses to maintain their intended exposure. This reduction in absorption affects:

  • Tetracycline Antibiotics and Quinolone Antibiotics
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Levothyroxine (Thyroid Hormones)
  • Iron, Zinc, and Strontium Ranelate

Timing constraints are required, for instance, Levothyroxine must be separated by at least four hours, and Tetracycline Antibiotics by at least two hours before or four to six hours after Calcichew-D3. Systemic Corticosteroids also reduce calcium absorption.

Food and Supplement Restrictions

Consumption of foods containing Oxalic Acid (e.g., spinach, rhubarb) or Phytic Acid (e.g., whole cereals) inhibits calcium absorption; regulatory documents restrict taking the product within two hours of consuming these foods. Concurrent use with other Vitamin D or calcium supplements carries the risk of excessive intake.

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Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Action: Dual-Component Mineral Regulation

The mechanism relies on the co-administration of calcium carbonate and cholecalciferol ( Vitamin D3). Calcium carbonate dissociates in the gastric environment to elemental calcium, which is then transported across the intestinal epithelium into the systemic circulation. This process directly increases the concentration of circulating calcium.

Cholecalciferol, the other component, acts as a regulator of mineral homeostasis. Upon undergoing activation in the liver and kidneys, the resultant calcitriol molecule binds to the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR)

. This binding initiates a genomic signaling cascade that promotes intestinal calcium absorption. Mechanistically, this occurs through the increased expression of specific Ca^2+-binding proteins, such as calbindin. The dual contribution influences both the systemic availability of calcium and the efficiency of its enteric absorption, modulating overall mineral balance.

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Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Calcichew-D3: Administration Guidelines

The following information describes the administration and usage guidelines for taking Calcichew-D3.

Administration Method and Timing

Calcichew-D3 is for oral administration. The chewable tablets must be chewed or sucked completely; they should not be swallowed whole. This medicine may be taken with or without food and drink.

Labeled Dosing and Frequency

Population Dosing Regimen (Examples) Frequency
Adults and Elderly One tablet of 500 mg/400 IU or 500 mg/200 IU Two to three times per day
Adults and Elderly One tablet of 1000 mg/800 IU Once daily
Paediatric Population One tablet of 500 mg/200 IU One to two times per day

Note that formulations such as 1000 mg/800 IU are not intended for use in children or adolescents.

Procedural Steps and Missed Doses

  1. Take the prescribed dose.
  2. Chew or suck the tablet entirely.
  3. If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as possible, but do not double the dose to make up for the missed tablet.

Time Separation from Other Medicines

To ensure proper absorption, this medicine requires specific time separation from certain other oral medications:

  • Tetracycline Antibiotics: Take Calcichew-D3 at least two hours before or four to six hours after the antibiotic.
  • Bisphosphonates: Take this medicine at least one hour after the bisphosphonate.
  • Levothyroxine: Take this medicine at least four hours before or after levothyroxine.
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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Calcichew-D3

Evidence for Use in Combined Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency

Research has primarily examined the use of the combined calcium and Vitamin D supplement in contexts where a nutritional deficiency has been established. This research base includes numerous Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comprehensive meta-analyses. These studies were designed to monitor outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, specifically focusing on how the combination was evaluated for changes in key biomarkers.

Studies describe patterns of how levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and serum calcium concentrations evolved in the observed populations. Findings describe patterns observed in these studies where the combination was evaluated for changes measured during the study period for these biomarkers, often within a short- to intermediate-term follow-up. What remains unclear is the nature of long-term outcomes regarding these markers after the study period. Long-term effects are not fully established, and there is ongoing scientific discussion about what constitutes the most beneficial 25(OH)D level for all individuals.


Evidence for Use as Adjunctive Treatment for Osteoporosis

Research explored the supplement combination in studies related to bone integrity, relying on large-scale, long-term Randomized Controlled Trials and subsequent systematic reviews. The primary focus of these trials was to study whether the supplement, when used as an adjunct to primary treatments, was observed in relation to differences in the rate of fracture incidence, including hip and other non-vertebral fractures.

Studies monitored fracture rates over follow-up durations that extended for several years. Meta-analyses described patterns where differences in fracture incidence were observed in results derived from trials focusing on high-risk or institutionalized older adults using the combination. However, when research included broad groups of healthy community-dwelling adults, the findings were mixed, with some large trials describing different fracture rate patterns when compared to placebo. The research thus provides insight into how patients fared in these observed populations.


Evidence in High-Risk and Special Populations

Research examined the combination in specific populations identified as being at higher risk for nutritional deficiencies. Research has been conducted focusing on older adults, including those in institutional settings. The results apply only to the populations studied, and the highest-level evidence for the supplement was derived from these particular, high-risk cohorts. Data for certain groups remain insufficient or sparse for otherwise healthy, young to middle-aged adults who are not deficient.

Key Studies & References

  1. Vitamin D Deficiency (StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Calcichew-D3 (FAQ)


Q: Is Calcichew-D3 generally considered appropriate for long-term use based on regulatory data?

Official regulatory documents indicate that long-term use of this medicine requires mandatory monitoring. This monitoring typically involves checking the patient's blood calcium levels and kidney function (measured by serum creatinine) to manage the risk of hypercalcaemia (high calcium).

Q: How quickly does the Vitamin D component of Calcichew-D3 affect levels in the body, according to research?

The pharmacokinetics section of official information describes how Vitamin D₃ (Colecalciferol) is processed by the body. Once activated in the liver and kidneys, the active form of the vitamin has an approximate half-life of around 3–5 days, which provides insight into the duration of its presence in the system.

Q: Are there different formulations of Calcichew-D3, such as tablets versus chewable versions?

The specific product name Calcichew-D3 refers strictly to the chewable tablet form, as detailed in the official pharmaceutical form description. Any other potential formulations would generally be specified under different product names.

Q: What is the typical duration of treatment described in the product information?

Official product information typically does not specify a standard duration for treatment, as this varies widely. The length of time required is determined by the patient's underlying mineral deficiency state and the results of ongoing monitoring.

Q: What is the experience described in research regarding a slight feeling of bloating when starting Calcichew-D3?

Official documents on adverse events list Rare gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence and abdominal pain. However, subjective descriptions of personal experiences like 'bloating' are not typically detailed in these official safety sections.

Q: How is Calcichew-D3 different from generic calcium and D3 supplements available on the market?

Regulatory documents define this product by its specific active ingredients (Calcium Carbonate and Colecalciferol) and its pharmaceutical form (chewable tablet). This unique combination and presentation legally defines the specific branded product.

Q: Are there any official warnings about taking Calcichew-D3 with iron-rich foods?

Official warnings require separating this medicine from foods containing Oxalic Acid (e.g., spinach) and Phytic Acid (e.g., whole cereals) due to impaired absorption. While iron supplements are mentioned as an interaction, specific warnings about iron-rich foods are not typically listed in the food restrictions section.

Q: Is Calcichew-D3 used to treat specific types of vitamin D deficiency?

According to the official therapeutic indications, this product is described for the prevention and treatment of combined calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. This generally refers to correcting deficiency states based on nutritional need.

Q: What are the general expectations for patient response described in clinical summaries?

Clinical summaries from research studies describe that the effectiveness of the product is monitored through measuring changes in biomarkers. These biomarkers include serum 25(OH)D (a measure of Vitamin D status) and serum calcium concentrations within the observed study populations.

Q: Do official documents mention a possible taste or flavor associated with Calcichew-D3?

Official documents list all excipients (non-active ingredients), which typically include flavouring agents. These are necessary components to mask the taste of the active ingredients in chewable tablets.

Q: What are the key signs of too much calcium (hypercalcaemia) mentioned in official documents?

Safety sections detailing overdose or hypercalcaemia (too much calcium in the blood) typically describe signs such as excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and unusual muscle weakness.

Q: Does Calcichew-D3 contain any common ingredients that might be allergens, such as gluten or soy?

Regulatory information includes a complete list of excipients (non-active ingredients). This list is where you would find information about components like sucrose (sugar) or potential allergens like soybean oil.

Q: How does Calcichew-D3 relate to parathyroid function, according to official descriptions?

The medicine's mechanism of action is directly tied to the regulation of mineral homeostasis (balance). This process involves the body's natural feedback loop, which includes the parathyroid hormone (PTH) axis.

Q: Are there any known research themes about the benefits of Calcichew-D3 beyond bone density?

Research summaries often discuss effects of Vitamin D on other bodily systems beyond bone health. Themes in research often include the described role of the vitamin in muscle function or overall immune response.

Q: Is Calcichew-D3 available over-the-counter or only by prescription in certain regions?

The official regulatory label explicitly specifies the legal status of the medicine for public supply. This dictates whether the product is available over-the-counter or only requires a prescription in a given region.

Q: Are there any restrictions on sun exposure while taking Calcichew-D3?

Cautionary statements in regulatory documents often advise limiting concurrent Vitamin D supplementation. Separately, the labeling may include warnings about the risk of Vitamin D overdose (Hypervitaminosis D), which can be contributed to by excessive intake, including synthesis from sun exposure.

Q: Is Calcichew-D3 mentioned in relation to any specific vitamin D deficiency symptoms?

The therapeutic indication section, which describes the product’s intended uses, often mentions the specific deficiency symptoms it addresses. These symptoms commonly relate to conditions like Rickets or Osteomalacia.

Q: What are the descriptions of interactions with mineral oil or laxatives?

The official interactions sections frequently list certain laxatives, such as mineral oil. This is because these substances can impair the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamin D3 component.

Q: What are the themes of adverse effects reported in pediatric studies for the ingredients in Calcichew-D3?

Official safety documents are required to disclose any adverse effects observed in specific clinical or observational paediatric studies. This information is provided even though the product is generally not recommended for children.

Q: What research evidence exists about Calcichew-D3 and muscle function?

Official regulatory reviews of Vitamin D frequently discuss its established physiological role in maintaining muscle strength. This role is related to reducing the risk of falls, which is often a factor in bone health studies.

Q: Is Calcichew-D3 intended for both men and women?

The official indications for use typically apply to broad patient groups like 'Adults and the Elderly.' These descriptions cover both men and women, confirming the product is gender neutral for its intended uses.

Q: Can people with malabsorption syndromes use Calcichew-D3, according to official guidance?

Regulatory documents typically indicate that caution or monitoring is necessary for patients with conditions that affect fat absorption (malabsorption syndromes), as this is crucial for the uptake of the fat-soluble vitamin D3 component.

Q: Can Calcichew-D3 affect the results of certain medical lab tests?

Safety sections frequently describe the need to monitor specific lab test results, such as serum calcium. This monitoring is mandatory because of the risk of developing hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium).

Q: What are the general expectations about the duration of the effect after stopping treatment?

The duration of the product's effect after discontinuation can be understood by reviewing the pharmacokinetics section. This section describes the half-life of the active Vitamin D metabolite, which determines how long the substance remains active in the body.

Q: Are there descriptions of Calcichew-D3 use in patients with compromised liver function?

The liver is a necessary organ for the activation of Vitamin D. Therefore, regulatory documents must address patients with hepatic impairment (compromised liver function) in the special warnings or contraindications sections.

Q: What does the regulatory labeling say about driving or operating machinery while using Calcichew-D3?

The mandatory regulatory section on the ability to drive and use machines is typically stated as having 'none' for calcium and Vitamin D supplements. This indicates no expected adverse effects on these activities.

Q: Does the chewable tablet contain sugar or artificial sweeteners?

Regulatory documents list all excipients (non-active ingredients), which would include any type of sugar (e.g., sucrose) or artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol or sorbitol) contained in the chewable tablet.

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How should Calcichew-D3 be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Calcichew-D3

The storage of Calcichew-D3 chewable tablets is strictly defined by regulatory requirements to protect the active ingredients, Calcium Carbonate and Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3).

Official Storage Requirements

Condition Requirement (Based on Packaging)
Maximum Temperature 30 C (HDPE Bottle) or 25 C (Blister)
Protection Keep tightly closed to protect from moisture. Store in original package/outer carton to protect from light.
Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Stability Do not use after the stated expiry date.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired medicine must not be thrown away via household waste or wastewater. Although official labeling states there are no special disposal requirements for the product itself, patients are directed to ask a pharmacist for advice on disposal to help protect the environment and comply with local regulations.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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