Calcium carbonate + Vitamin D3 500 mg elemental calcium + 250 IU: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Calcium and vitamin D deficiency, including people who get little sunlight or dairy; Preventing and treating osteoporosis (weak bones), along with other treatment.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.72 to ₹10.90 per tablet across 5 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium 500mg and Vitamin D3 250IU Tablets IPJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹7.22 | ₹0.72 | 19 October 2026 |
| Macalvit 500 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹105.00 | ₹7.00 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cipcal 500 | Cipla Ltd | 15 | ₹107.92 | ₹7.19 | 19 October 2026 |
| Calcifit 500 | Meridian Enterprises Pvt Ltd | 30 | ₹219.38 | ₹7.31 | 19 October 2026 |
| Shelcal 500 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹163.45 | ₹10.90 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Calcium and vitamin D deficiency, including people who get little sunlight or dairy.
- Preventing and treating osteoporosis (weak bones), along with other treatment.
- Extra calcium needs in pregnancy, breastfeeding and after menopause, as advised by a doctor.
- Bone health in older adults and people on long-term steroids.
- Supporting bone healing after fractures, when recommended.
How to take it
Take one tablet once or twice a day with or just after meals – calcium carbonate needs stomach acid, so it is absorbed better with food. Swallow with a full glass of water. Do not take more than 500 to 600 mg of elemental calcium at one time; split the dose if you need more. Keep a 4-hour gap from thyroxine, iron and certain antibiotics. Do not exceed the dose your doctor advises; total calcium from food plus tablets should stay under about 2,000 mg a day.
Side effects
Common
- Constipation.
- Bloating, gas, burping.
- Nausea or stomach upset.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- High blood calcium with excess use – nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination, confusion.
- Kidney stones with high doses over time.
- Allergic reaction (rare).
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but heavy drinking weakens bones and reduces vitamin D absorption. Keep it moderate.
Pregnancy
Commonly used in pregnancy and breastfeeding; tell your doctor so your total intake is checked.
Kidney problems
If you have kidney disease or kidney stones, ask your doctor before taking calcium – it can raise blood calcium and phosphate or cause stones.
Liver problems
No specific concerns.
Children
Children should take calcium supplements only on a doctor's advice, in paediatric strengths.
Missed dose
Take it with your next meal; do not double up.
Interactions
- Levothyroxine (Thyronorm, Eltroxin) – calcium blocks absorption; keep a 4-hour gap.
- Iron tablets – each reduces the other's absorption; take at different times.
- Antibiotics such as doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin – take the antibiotic 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after calcium.
- Thiazide water pills (hydrochlorothiazide) – can raise blood calcium.
- Digoxin – high calcium increases the risk of heart-rhythm problems.
- Bisphosphonates (alendronate) – take them on an empty stomach well before calcium.
- Proton pump inhibitors (Pan, Omez) – reduce calcium carbonate absorption; calcium citrate may be better.
Frequently asked questions
Shelcal 500 before or after food?
After or with food. Calcium carbonate needs stomach acid to dissolve, so taking it with a meal improves absorption and reduces gas and bloating.
Shelcal 500 morning or night?
Either, with a meal. If you take two tablets a day, split them (for example lunch and dinner) because the body absorbs only about 500 mg of calcium at a time. Keep it away from your thyroid tablet.
Can I take Shelcal 500 with Thyronorm?
Not together. Calcium blocks thyroxine absorption. Take Thyronorm first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and the calcium at least 4 hours later.
Can I take Shelcal 500 daily for a long time?
Yes if your doctor has advised it, for example for osteoporosis or deficiency. Have your calcium and vitamin D levels checked periodically and stay within the recommended total intake.
Is Shelcal 500 safe in pregnancy?
Calcium with vitamin D is commonly recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor so the dose fits your diet and any iron tablets you take.
Does Shelcal 500 cause constipation and gas?
Calcium carbonate commonly causes constipation and bloating. Drinking more water, taking it with food, adding fibre, or switching to calcium citrate on a doctor's advice can help.
Shelcal 500 vs Shelcal HD – what is the difference?
Shelcal 500 has 500 mg calcium with 250 IU vitamin D3. Shelcal HD contains a higher dose of vitamin D3. Your doctor chooses based on your vitamin D level.
Does Shelcal need a prescription?
No. Calcium and vitamin D3 tablets are sold over the counter in India, but take them on advice because too much calcium can cause kidney stones and high blood calcium.
Can I take Shelcal with iron tablets?
Not at the same time – they interfere with each other's absorption. Take iron on an empty stomach or with lunch, and calcium with a different meal.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Calcium Carbonate (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Calcium (vitamins and minerals) (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Vitamin D (vitamins and minerals) (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