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Home Formulary 6.0 Endocrine 6.6 Drugs affecting bone metabolism 6.6.1 Drugs for the treatment and management of osteoporosis 6.6.1.1 Calcium and vitamin D

6.6.1.1 Calcium and vitamin D

ChoiceDrugDosage
1st choiceAdcal-D3® Caplets (300mg calcium and 200IU vitamin D) Dose: Two tablets to be taken twice a day
or
Accrete D3® film-coated tablets (600mg calcium and 400IU vitamin D)Dose: One tablet twice a day
or
Accrete D3® One a Day 1000mg / 880 IU Chewable TabletsDose: One tablet daily
2nd choiceCalceos® 500mg/400IU chewable tablets Dose: One tablet twice a day

Prescribing Notes

  • Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D alone has been shown to reduce fracture rates in housebound elderly patients without previous fracture. Evidence in other patient groups is lacking.
  • Those with, or at risk of, osteoporosis should maintain adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D. If deficiency is suspected, this should be corrected by increasing dietary intake or taking supplements.
    • Dietary sources of calcium are the preferred option, see National Osteoporosis Society website for information on calcium rich food and a calcium calculator.
    • With the introduction of licensed vitamin D preparations, many clinicians are moving away from the use of combined calcium and vitamin D preparations in favour of single agent vitamin D preparations (in patients who are calcium replete).
  • For vitamin D guidance, see section 9.6.4 and for single agent calcium supplements, see section 9.5.1.1.

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