Calcium

CAS number7440-70-2
PUB number5460341
Drugbank IDDB01373
Empirical formulaCa
Molar mass (g·mol−1)40,078
Physical statesolid
Density (g·cm−3)1,54
Melting point (°C)839
Boiling point (°C)1484

Basics

Calcium is a mineral and the most important in the human organism in terms of quantity. The largest storage sites are the bones and teeth, which contain almost 100% of the body's calcium. The quantity element has many important anatomical, physiological and biochemical functions, especially the maintenance of stability and bone density of the skeleton, the execution of signal transduction in the cell and the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system.

In pharmacy, calcium is used over-the-counter in dietary supplements as well as by prescription for the treatment of diseases associated with calcium deficiency. Vitamin D3 is crucial for the absorption of calcium into the organism and is therefore often combined with calcium in preparations.

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Calcium levels in the blood are regulated by the hormones calcitriol, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. The skeleton serves as the main store and releases calcium into the organism in case of calcium deficiency. The calcium-rich compound hydroxyapatite is responsible for the stabilization and strength of bones and teeth.
Calcium fungiert als sogenannter „Second messenger“ indem es für die Weiterleitung von Signalen bzw. Reizen zuständig ist, welche die Zellmembran nicht überschreiten können. Durch den Einstrom von Calciumionen in die Muskelzellen wird eine Kontraktion (Erregung) der Muskulatur bewirkt. Außerdem ist Calcium an der Blutgerinnung beteiligt, da viele Gerinnungsfaktoren von dem Mineralstoff abhängig sind.

Pharmacokinetics

The absorption of calcium from the intestine is regulated by parathyroid hormone and supported by calcitriol (active form of vitamin D3). In the blood, calcium circulates in free, ionized, or protein-bound forms. Calcitonin acts as an antagonist to parathyroid hormone and cacitriol by stimulating the incorporation of calcium into bone and lowering blood calcium levels.
Täglich werden 245 mmol des Mengenelements resorbiert und 250 mmol über die Niere ausgeschieden, was zu einem Nettoverlust von 5 mmol pro Tag im Urin führt.

Interactions

A time interval of 2-3 hours is recommended when taking tetracyclines, quinolones, iron tablets, levothyroxine, antiepileptic drugs, and biphosphonates. Calcium may decrease the absorption of these drugs when used concurrently.
Weiters können Wechselwirkungen mit Herzglykosiden, Glukokortikoiden, Antazida, Phosphaten und Thiaziden auftreten.
Die Kombination von Calcium mit Vitamin D wirkt sich positiv auf die Aufnahmerate des Calciums aus.

Toxicity

Toxicological data

Long-term overdose of calcium leads to deposits in the kidneys and urinary tract (urinary or renal stones) and impaired renal function.
Die EFSA (Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit) hat eine maximal tolerierbare Gesamtzufuhrmenge von 2500 mg Calcium pro Tag festgesetzt.

Markus Falkenstätter, BSc

Markus Falkenstätter, BSc

Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer

Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer



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