Calcitriol + Calcium carbonate + Zinc 0.25 mcg + 500 mg + 7.5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Bone loss and osteoporosis when your doctor wants to combine active vitamin D with calcium; Low calcium or bone disease linked to kidney or parathyroid problems, as prescribed.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.86 to ₹28.73 per capsule across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / capsule | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate 500mg, Calcitriol 0.25mcg and Zinc 7.5mg CapsulesJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹18.57 | ₹1.86 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cetjoint SG | Leeford Healthcare Ltd | 10 | ₹90.00 | ₹9.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Gemsoline | Medley Pharmaceuticals | 15 | ₹251.25 | ₹16.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Calgel | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹267.19 | ₹17.81 | 19 October 2026 |
| Bonestat | Indchemie Health Specialities Pvt Ltd | 15 | ₹391.88 | ₹26.13 | 19 October 2026 |
| GemiTROL | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹420.35 | ₹28.02 | 19 October 2026 |
| GEMcal | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹431.00 | ₹28.73 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Bone loss and osteoporosis when your doctor wants to combine active vitamin D with calcium.
- Low calcium or bone disease linked to kidney or parathyroid problems, as prescribed.
- Rickets or osteomalacia on a doctor's advice.
How to take it
Take one capsule a day, usually after a meal, or as your doctor prescribes – calcium carbonate is absorbed better with food. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Because calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D, it can raise blood calcium quickly; your doctor may check your calcium levels. Do not take other vitamin D (including 60K capsules or sachets) or calcium tablets unless your doctor approves. Keep this capsule 1–2 hours apart from other medicines, especially thyroid tablets, iron and some antibiotics, because calcium can reduce their effect. See a doctor if you develop nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or confusion.
Side effects
Common
- Constipation, belching or upset stomach.
- Loss of appetite or metallic taste.
- Headache.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- High calcium – feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination.
- Irregular heartbeat or confusion – get urgent medical help.
- Allergic reaction – rash, itching, difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction; heavy drinking harms bones and the liver, so limit it.
Pregnancy
Use in pregnancy only if your doctor prescribes it. MedlinePlus advises not to breastfeed while taking calcitriol.
Kidney problems
Often prescribed in kidney disease, but only by your doctor with regular blood calcium and phosphate checks. Ask how much fluid you should drink.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease.
Children
Used in children only under a specialist, with blood tests.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Other vitamin D supplements (including 60K capsules and sachets) – risk of high calcium; do not combine without your doctor.
- Calcium supplements – take only as your doctor advises, since calcitriol increases calcium absorption.
- Antacids, laxatives or supplements containing magnesium – tell your doctor before using them.
- Other medicines – take calcium-containing products 1–2 hours apart from other tablets, as calcium can reduce their effect.
Frequently asked questions
GEMcal capsule uses
GEMcal contains calcitriol 0.25 mcg, calcium carbonate 500 mg and zinc. Doctors prescribe it for bone loss, osteoporosis and low calcium, especially when active vitamin D is needed.
GEMcal before or after food?
After a meal is usual, because calcium carbonate is absorbed better with food. Follow your doctor's timing.
Can I take GEMcal daily for a long time?
Only as long as your doctor prescribes, with periodic blood calcium checks, because calcitriol can raise calcium.
GEMcal vs Shelcal – what is the difference?
GEMcal contains calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, and is a prescription product. Shelcal 500 contains ordinary vitamin D3 with calcium.
Can I take GEMcal with vitamin D3 60K?
Not without your doctor. Taking both increases the risk of high calcium.
GEMcal side effects
Constipation, belching and upset stomach are common. Nausea, vomiting, thirst, confusion or passing urine often may mean high calcium – see a doctor.
Can I take GEMcal with thyroid tablets?
Keep them at least 4 hours apart – calcium carbonate reduces levothyroxine absorption.
Is GEMcal safe in pregnancy?
Use only if your doctor prescribes it. Calcitriol products are not advised while breastfeeding.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Calcitriol (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Calcium carbonate (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Calcium in diet (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Levothyroxine (interactions with calcium and iron) (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms