During pregnancy, the female body needs more minerals, among which calcium is especially secreted. The lack of such an element can provoke serious consequences, therefore, with a high risk of deficiency, doctors recommend that expectant mothers drink special calcium-based complexes. One of them is Kalcemin.
Features of the drug
The complex is produced by Bayer in the form of oval-shaped tablets with a dense white shell and a notch on one side. The tablets are sold in plastic bottles of 30, 60 and 120 pieces. Their main ingredient is calcium, represented by two compounds - citrate tetrahydrate and carbonate. The dosage of calcium in 1 tablet is 250 mg. In addition to it, each of the tablets includes:
- 50 IU of vitamin D3;
- 2 mg zinc oxide;
- 500 μg of manganese (this element is presented in the form of sulfate) and copper (the form of such an element is oxide);
- 50 mcg of boron derived from sodium borate.
Additionally, stearic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium silicate, polysaccharides from soy and other compounds that form the core of the drug and the protective shell are added to the tablets.
It is possible to buy Kalcemin in a pharmacy without any difficulties, since a prescription is not required for this. The average price of a jar with 30 tablets is 340-370 rubles. Store the drug at home at temperatures below +25 degrees in a dry place where it will be inaccessible to babies. The shelf life of the tablets is 3 years.
Operating principle
"Calcemin" belongs to a group of drugs that affect mineral metabolism, in particular, the exchange of calcium and phosphorus. It not only acts as a source of calcium ions, but also contains other compounds that are important for the absorption of calcium and metabolic processes involving such a mineral.
Calcium is important primarily for bone tissue. Thanks to it, the health of bones and joints is maintained, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are prevented. It is of no less importance for the nervous system, as it affects the transmission of signals through neurons. Besides, calcium is referred to as plasma coagulation factors, that is, its absence is fraught with the risk of bleeding.
In the form of citrate, such an element is perfectly absorbed even in case of digestive problems, therefore "Calcemin" is suitable for patients who have impaired secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, calcium citrate does not cause kidney stones or interfere with iron absorption.
The inclusion of colecalciferol in the tablets contributes to the normal absorption of calcium. Other active substances of "Calcemin" are also important for calcium metabolism:
- under the influence of zinc, sex hormones are actively formed, one of the functions of which is to prevent the destruction of bones;
- copper has an effect on the synthesis of proteins such as elastin and collagen, which form connective and bone tissues;
- manganese is important for the synthesis of proteoglycans, which form the protein matrix of bones;
- Boron can limit the activity of parathyroid hormone, which additionally protects against osteoporosis and reduces the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Is it allowed for pregnant women?
"Calcemin" is not contraindicated during the period of expectation of the child, but such pills should be taken only after a doctor's appointment. In the annotation to "Calcemin" it is noted that it is recommended for pregnant women from the 20th week of gestation until the very end of pregnancy, as well as in the postpartum period, while the woman is breastfeeding.
However, it is important to know that there are recommended calcium intake rates for expectant mothers, which should not be exceeded. If you take calcium supplements in excess, you can cause a developmental disorder of the child, therefore you cannot assign them yourself... That is why the reception of "Kalcemin" must be discussed with the doctor who observes a woman during pregnancy.
When is it prescribed for expectant mothers?
"Calcemin" is used to prevent calcium deficiency, the need for which increases during pregnancy. An additional intake of such a mineral is important for the formation of bones and teeth of the unborn child, and also prevents the occurrence of a deficiency in the woman herself.
If the expectant mother lacks such an element, this affects the condition of her nails and hair, can provoke tooth decay, muscle cramps, dry skin, and a depressed mood.
If the fetus does not receive enough calcium, this can lead to congenital rickets, disorders of the development of teeth and excessive excitability of the nervous system.
Contraindications
There are some restrictions for the use of "Kalcemin". Such tablets are not used if:
- in the blood of the expectant mother, the level of calcium is increased;
- high calcium levels are found in a woman's urine;
- the patient has serious kidney disease, due to which the function of the excretory system is impaired;
- the doctor suspects hypervitaminosis D or there is a risk of developing it;
- the expectant mother is sick with an active form of tuberculosis;
- the woman has a hypersensitivity to any ingredient in Calcemin;
- examination revealed nephrolithiasis;
- with myeloma, sarcoidosis or bone metastases.
If the expectant mother is taking any medications, it is important to inform the doctor before taking Calcemin, as it should not be combined with some medications. In the presence of any complications of the course of pregnancy or a deteriorated condition of the fetus, the issue of using the tablets is decided individually.
Side effects
Some women may experience uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms as a result of taking Calcemin, such as flatulence, nausea or diarrhea. In some cases, the drug provokes an allergic reaction in the form of a skin rash or itching. If signs of allergies or other side effects appear, it is recommended to stop taking the pills and consult your doctor.
How to use?
According to the instructions for use, the drug is taken orally - the tablet is swallowed with about 200 ml of water. The dosage and frequency of use should be checked with your doctor. The most common scheme, by which "Kalcemin" - a two-fold dose of 1 tablet.
The duration of taking "Kalcemin" is also determined by the doctor. For some women, the prophylactic course of such a drug is 1 month, others need to drink pills in the 3rd trimester all the time, without stopping the use of the drug after childbirth.
Reviews
In most cases, the use of "Calcemin" while waiting for the baby responds well. The drug is called affordable and is praised for its composition, and among the shortcomings, the rather large size of the tablets is usually indicated. In addition, in some pregnant women, it provoked unwanted side effects, such as nausea or constipation.
Analogs
In addition to the usual "Kalcemin", in pharmacies there is also a complex called "Kalcemin Advance"... It is also manufactured by Bayer and is an oval tablet that has a pink shell. The main difference between such a tool is the increased dosage of all components. In particular, each tablet contains 500 mg of calcium and 200 IU of colecalciferol. Other active compounds are also present in higher doses. In addition, magnesium oxide was added to the Advance tablets, since it together with zinc affects the formation of the bone matrix.
"Calcemin Advance" can be prescribed while the child is waiting, if the doctor sees the need for an increased dose of calcium and other components of the complex. The daily dose of such a drug is usually 1 tablet, and the duration of administration is selected individually. Side effects and contraindications for this drug are the same as for the usual "Calcemin". The product is also non-prescription and can be stored at room temperature for 3 years from the date of issue.
Instead of "Calcemin", the doctor may also recommend other calcium preparations for the pregnant woman.
- "Complivit Calcium D3". The product is an orange-flavored chewable tablet. One such tablet contains 500 mg of calcium (the mineral is presented in the form of carbonate), to which 200 IU of vitamin D has been added. There is also a Forte supplement, which differs in the doubled vitamin D content and mint taste.
- "Vitrum Calcium + Vitamin D3"... This complex of the American manufacturer also gives expectant mothers calcium carbonate in a dose of 500 mg per one coated tablet. As in Complivit, it also contains vitamin D in the amount of 200 IU in each tablet.
- "Calcium D3 Nycomed". Like the two previous complexes, this drug also contains a combination of calcium carbonate and vitamin D. The drug is mint or orange tablets that must be chewed. From one tablet, a woman in a position can receive 500 mg of elemental calcium (the dosage of carbonate is 1250 mg) and 200 IU of colecalciferol. The drug Forte is produced separately - lemon tablets with a double dosage of vitamin D.
- Osteokea. These tablets contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and zinc. The remedy is prescribed for pregnant women to correct calcium metabolism disorders, as well as for fractures and calcium deficiency in the diet.
