ZEDCAL TABLETS 30S

What Is ZEDCAL?

Zedcal is a comprehensive bone health supplement combining Calcium Carbonate (providing elemental calcium, the primary mineral of bone), Vitamin D3 (which is essential for calcium absorption from the gut and for calcium deposition into bone), Magnesium (a critical co-factor for Vitamin D activation and bone mineral metabolism), and Zinc (which supports osteoblast activity, the cells that build new bone).

This four-way combination addresses the most important nutritional factors in bone health simultaneously, recognising that calcium alone is insufficient; without Vitamin D, dietary calcium cannot be absorbed effectively, and without Magnesium and Zinc, the bone-building process is incomplete.

What Is It Used For?

Zedcal is taken by people who need to strengthen, protect, or maintain their bone health. It is most commonly recommended for postmenopausal women at risk of osteoporosis, elderly individuals with reduced sun exposure and reduced dietary calcium intake, pregnant and breastfeeding women whose calcium requirements are significantly increased, children and adolescents in the critical bone-building years, patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy (which accelerates bone loss), and anyone on bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis (for whom calcium and Vitamin D co-supplementation is mandatory).

In Kenya, vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognised despite the tropical climate, indoor working environments, darker skin pigmentation, and cultural dress practices can all reduce UV exposure. Zedcal provides targeted nutritional support to ensure the bones have everything they need to stay strong.

Usual Dose

1–2 tablets daily with or after a meal.

With Food

Taking with meals improves calcium absorption and reduces stomach discomfort.

Separation from Other Medicines

Separate from iron supplements, bisphosphonates, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics by at least 2 hours, calcium reduces their absorption.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered with food. If a day is missed, simply continue the next day.

Duration

For ongoing bone health, long-term daily use is appropriate. Review with your doctor periodically.

Common Side Effects

·       Constipation (calcium carbonate, increase fluid and fibre intake)

·       Bloating or mild stomach discomfort

·       Chalky aftertaste

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Nausea

·       Flatulence

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Hypercalcaemia (too much calcium, symptoms: nausea, confusion, excessive thirst, muscle weakness, fatigue), rare at standard supplement doses but risk increases with concurrent high-calcium diet and high-dose Vitamin D

·       Kidney stones (rare, maintain adequate hydration)

·       Do not take Zedcal alongside other calcium or Vitamin D supplements without checking total daily intake, avoid exceeding the tolerable upper intake levels.

·       Patients with renal disease should consult a doctor before use.

·       Separate from iron tablets, bisphosphonates, and antibiotics by at least 2 hours.

·       Maintain adequate hydration to reduce the small risk of calcium-related kidney stones.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

Iron supplements: Calcium reduces iron absorption, separate by 2 hours.

Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate): Calcium blocks absorption, take bisphosphonate on empty stomach, Zedcal with food hours later.

Tetracyclines / Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Calcium binds these antibiotics, separate by 2–3 hours.

Thiazide diuretics: Increase calcium reabsorption, risk of hypercalcaemia with supplementation.

Digoxin: Hypercalcaemia increases digoxin toxicity risk, monitor in patients on digoxin.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Keep in original packaging with lid tightly closed.

·       Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

Zedcal is an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement available at Pharmily without a prescription. Patients with osteoporosis, renal disease, or those on multiple supplements are encouraged to seek pharmacist guidance.

Zedcal is clinically similar to Osteocare, both are four-component calcium/D3/magnesium/zinc bone supplements. The key counselling points are identical: timing separation from iron, bisphosphonates, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones; avoiding duplicate supplementation; and adequate hydration.

Confirm the patient is not already on a similar product (Osteocare, standalone calcium/D3 tabs) to avoid exceeding daily upper tolerable intake limits for calcium (2500mg/day) and Vitamin D (4000 IU/day).

For patients on bisphosphonate therapy, Zedcal is the mandatory calcium/D3 co-supplement, communicate the dosing timing clearly to avoid the absorption interaction. Thiazide diuretics + calcium supplement = hypercalcaemia risk, monitor if co-prescribed. Digoxin patients with any calcium supplement require monitoring for hypercalcaemia-related digoxin toxicity.

What is Zedcal used for?

A: Zedcal is a bone health supplement providing calcium, Vitamin D3, magnesium, and zinc, the four most important nutrients for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones. It is used to prevent and support the management of osteoporosis, and for people whose diet does not provide enough calcium.

Can I take Zedcal at the same time as my iron supplement?

A: No, calcium blocks iron absorption when taken together. Separate them by at least 2 hours. Take your iron on an empty stomach in the morning and your Zedcal with lunch or dinner.

Can I take Zedcal during pregnancy?

A: Yes, pregnant and breastfeeding women have significantly higher calcium requirements. Zedcal is commonly recommended during these periods, but check with your pharmacist that you are not exceeding recommended daily limits when combined with a prenatal supplement.