Shelcal 500: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ଓଡ଼ିଆ অসমীয়া
Also known as: Shelcal, Shelcal 500 mg, Shelcal 500 tablet, Calcium with vitamin D3
Shelcal 500 is a tablet that supplies 500 mg of calcium together with vitamin D3. It is used to top up calcium and vitamin D when food does not give enough, and to support bone health. Too much calcium can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and kidney problems, so take it as the label says or as your doctor advises.
- Active ingredient
- Calcium carbonate 500 mg elemental calcium + Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) VERIFY on pack
- Type of medicine
- Calcium supplements, Vitamins and minerals
- Used for
- Osteoporosis, Vitamin deficiency
- Starts working in
- A supplement; it does not give quick relief, and its effect on calcium and vitamin D levels builds over weeks
- Effect lasts
- It is taken daily as the label says
- With or without food
- Usually taken with a meal, because calcium carbonate is absorbed better with food; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- No special interaction, but heavy drinking weakens bones; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Ask your doctor before taking supplements in pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Shelcal 500 used for?
- How does Shelcal 500 work?
- How to take Shelcal 500
- Side effects of Shelcal 500
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Shelcal 500
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Shelcal 500 used for?
Shelcal 500 is a calcium and vitamin D supplement. It is used to make up calcium and vitamin D when diet does not give enough, and to support bone health on a doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
- Topping up calcium and vitamin D when the diet is short of them (calcium and vitamin D deficiency)
- Supporting bone health, for example alongside the treatment a doctor prescribes for weak bones (osteoporosis)
How does Shelcal 500 work?
Stomach acid turns calcium carbonate into calcium that the gut absorbs and the body uses to build and maintain bones and teeth and to support muscles and nerves. Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
Taken with a meal and water. The tablet breaks down in the stomach.
Stomach acid releases calcium
Stomach acid turns calcium carbonate into calcium that the gut can absorb.
Vitamin D helps absorption
Vitamin D3 is changed by the liver and kidneys into its active form, which helps the gut take up calcium.
Calcium is used by the body
Calcium goes to the bones and teeth and is also used by muscles and nerves.
The body clears the extra
What the body does not need is passed out in stool and urine. Too much over time can build up in the blood and harm the kidneys.
How to take Shelcal 500
Take Shelcal 500 exactly as printed on the pack or as your doctor or pharmacist advises. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- Usually taken with a meal.
- Do not take more than the label says; count calcium and vitamin D from other supplements and antacids too.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not take two doses together.
- Keep a gap from thyroid tablets, iron tablets, some antibiotics and bone-strengthening tablets; ask your pharmacist how long.
- Drink enough fluid, which helps with constipation and kidney health.
Side effects of Shelcal 500
Calcium supplements are well tolerated by most people at the label dose. Some side effects are mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Constipation
- Wind, bloating or an upset stomach
- Nausea
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting or severe constipation
- Excess thirst, passing a lot of urine, confusion, muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat (possible high blood calcium)
- Pain in the side or back with blood in the urine (possible kidney stone)
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing (severe allergic reaction). Call 112
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking calcium supplements.
When the label says not to use it
Calcium carbonate
- High levels of calcium in the blood or urine
- Kidney stones caused by calcium, unless a doctor advises
- Allergy to any ingredient of the tablet
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
- High levels of calcium in the blood or urine
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product
- Kidney disease or a past kidney stone
- High calcium in the blood or in the urine
- Taking more than the label says, or taking several supplements that each contain calcium or vitamin D
- Heart rhythm problems, or taking digoxin
- Sarcoidosis or some other conditions that raise blood calcium
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor before using supplements
Medicines and things that interact with Shelcal 500
Calcium can reduce how well some medicines are absorbed, and some medicines change how the body handles calcium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Thyroid hormone tablets such as levothyroxine: keep a gap between doses
- Some antibiotics, including tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones: keep a gap between doses
- Iron tablets: calcium can reduce how much iron is absorbed
- Bone-strengthening tablets (bisphosphonates): keep a gap between doses
- Water tablets of the thiazide type: together with calcium they can raise blood calcium
- Digoxin: high calcium can affect the heart rhythm
If someone takes too much
Taking too much calcium over time can cause stomach pain, constipation, thirst, confusion and kidney problems. If someone has taken much more than the label says, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from moisture, in the original strip or container, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as a calcium and vitamin D supplement. Shelcal 500 is understood to contain calcium with vitamin D3. Neither calcium carbonate nor cholecalciferol is on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act as a single ingredient. Whether the product is licensed as a medicine or a food supplement, and any prescription status, must be read from the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
Calcium with vitamin D3 tablets are sold under many brand names. Check the label for the amount of calcium and vitamin D, because they differ between products, and do not combine two such products without asking your doctor or pharmacist.
Other strengths and forms
Calcium with vitamin D3 is sold in different strengths and combinations. The amounts and any extra ingredients are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Shelcal 500 a prescription medicine?
Check the pack: the schedule and licensing are printed on it. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are widely available, but a doctor or pharmacist should advise whether you need one, how much to take and for how long.
What is Shelcal 500 used for?
It tops up calcium and vitamin D when food does not give enough, and supports bone health. Doctors may also advise it alongside treatment for weak bones. Take it as the label says or as your doctor advises.
Should Shelcal 500 be taken with food?
It is usually taken with a meal, because calcium carbonate is absorbed better when there is food in the stomach. Follow the label or your doctor's advice about the timing.
Can I take too much calcium?
Yes. The NHS says 1,500 mg a day or less is unlikely to cause harm, and that higher doses can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea. Add up calcium from all supplements and antacids, and ask your doctor if you are unsure.
Does Shelcal 500 interact with other medicines?
It can reduce the absorption of thyroid tablets, iron, some antibiotics and bone-strengthening tablets, so a gap between doses is needed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist what you take and ask how long to leave between them.
Sources
- Calcium. NHS (UK)
- Vitamin D. NHS (UK)
- Osteoporosis. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)