Calcicar
Calcicar Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Calcicar is a brand name. Its generic name is Pitavastatin Calcium.
Calcicar: Overview
Calcicar is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of drugs known as statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Pitavastatin is also used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary artery disease, or other risk factors.Uses of Calcicar
Calcicar is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke or heart attack, in certain individuals with certain risk factors. Calcicar can also be used to reduce levels of triglycerides and bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood and increase the good (HDL) cholesterol.Mechanism of Action of Calcicar
Calcicar works by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the production of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, Calcicar helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. This decreased cholesterol level helps to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart diseases.How Long Does it Take for Calcicar to Work?
The effects of Calcicar can usually be seen within 2 weeks of initiation. However, it may take up to 8 weeks for cholesterol levels to be lowered significantly.Absorption of Calcicar
Calcicar is rapidly absorbed and has a bioavailability of about 79%.Route of Elimination of Calcicar
Calcicar is eliminated through the intestine and bile.Dosage Information of Calcicar
The recommended starting dose for Calcicar is 2-4 mg per day. The dosage may be increased to 8 mg daily based on the individual’s response and condition. Doses of more than 8 mg should not be taken.Administration of Calcicar
Calcicar is usually taken by mouth once a day with or without food. Take each dose at the same time each day.Side Effects of Calcicar
Common side effects of Calcicar include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and headache. Less common side effects include muscle ache, joint pain, dizziness, and rash.Toxicity of Calcicar
The maximum recommended dose for Calcicar is 8 mg per day. Taking higher doses than recommended can cause serious side effects, including jaundice, liver failure, and muscle damage.Precautions for using Calcicar
Calcicar should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, and allergies. Patients with these conditions should discuss their condition with their doctor before taking CalcicarInteractions of Calcicar
Calcicar may interact with certain medications, such as antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and certain antibiotics. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, to ensure that your treatment regimen is safe and effective.Disease Interaction of Calcicar
Calcicar may not be suitable for patients with certain conditions such as thyroid disorders, kidney or liver disease, or inherited blood problems. Talk to your doctor before starting Calcicar if you have any pre-existing conditions.Drug Interactions of Calcicar
Calcicar may interact with certain drugs, such as antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and certain antibiotics. Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, to ensure that your treatment regimen is safe and effective.Food Interactions of Calcicar
Food does not appear to affect the absorption of Calcicar. However, it is important to take Calcicar at the same time each day, with or without food.Pregnancy Use of Calcicar
Calcicar is not recommended for use in pregnant women. The safety of Calcicar use during pregnancy has not been established.Lactation Use of Calcicar
Calcicar is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. The safety of Calcicar use during lactation has not been established.Acute Overdose of Calcicar
If an overdose of Calcicar is suspected, contact your local poison control center or seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an acute overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.Contraindication of Calcicar
Calcicar is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained, persistent elevations of serum transaminases. It should also not be used by people who are allergic to Calcicar or any of its components.Use Direction of Calcicar
Take Calcicar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For best results, take it at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not take more or less than recommended.Storage Condition of Calcicar
Store Calcicar at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.Volume of Distribution of Calcicar
Calcicar has a volume of distribution of approximately 2.4 L/kg in humans.Half Life of Calcicar
The elimination half-life of Calcicar is up to 10 hours.Clearance of Calcicar
The clearance of Calcicar is approximately 0.20–0.25 L/h/kg in humans.Here you find in details version of Calcicar
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Calcicar
What is Calcicar?
Calcicar is a statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) used to lower levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and other fatty substances in the blood, and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Does Calcicar have any side effects?
Common side effects of Calcicar may include constipation, diarrhea, headache, increased liver enzymes, and muscle and joint pain. Serious side effects may include liver damage, low blood pressure, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), and high blood sugar levels leading to coma.
What is the recommended dosage of Calcicar?
The recommended starting dose of Calcicar is 2 mg daily and may be increased to a maximum of 4 mg daily. Consult your doctor regarding the appropriate dose for your particular case.
Can I take Calcicar with other medications?
It is important to tell your doctor about all medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and vitamins that you are taking. Some medications may interact with Calcicar by increasing or decreasing its effectiveness or causing potentially dangerous side effects.
Can I take Calcicar if I am pregnant?
Calcicar should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Calcicar?
If you miss a dose of Calcicar, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
What are the possible drug interactions of Calcicar?
Calcicar may interact with other medications, including antifungal drugs, cholesterol lowering medications, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and warfarin. Talk to your doctor about possible drug interactions before taking this medication.
What should I avoid while taking Calcicar?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Calcicar as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Also, avoid activities that require mental alertness such as driving as pitavastatin can cause drowsiness.
How should I store Calcicar?
Calcicar should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not store Calcicar in the bathroom.
Can children take Calcicar?
Calcicar is not recommended for use in children under age 18. Consult your doctor about other options for managing your child's cholesterol levels.
What are the common signs of an allergic reaction to Calcicar?
Signs of an allergic reaction to Calcicar may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What if I take an overdose of Calcicar?
If you take an overdose of Calcicar, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Control Center immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include chest pain, nausea, and an irregular heartbeat.
What is the difference between Calcicar and Atorvastatin Calcium?
Calcicar is a newer statin, and is generally believed to be more effective than atorvastatin calcium in reducing cholesterol levels. Calcicar also has fewer side effects and is considered to be less likely to cause muscle and liver damage.
Can Calcicar be used to treat high blood pressure?
No, Calcicar is not used to treat high blood pressure. It is used to lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fatty substances in the blood, and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications.
What should I do if I experience difficulty breathing while taking Calcicar?
Difficulty breathing is a serious side effect of Calcicar and should be reported to your doctor immediately. You should also seek medical help if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can I take Calcicar if I have diabetes?
Yes, Calcicar can be used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors.
Can I take herbal supplements while taking Calcicar?
Before taking any herbal supplements, consult your doctor. Some herbal supplements can interact with Calcicar and cause potentially dangerous side effects.
Can I take Calcicar if I have kidney disease?
Calcicar is generally not recommended for use in people with kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice on managing your cholesterol levels.
Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Calcicar?
No, you should not drink grapefruit juice while taking Calcicar, as it may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about other drinks you can have while taking Calcicar.
What should I do if I experience chest pain while taking Calcicar?
Chest pain is a serious side effect of Calcicar and should be reported to your doctor immediately. You should also seek medical help if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Can I take Calcicar if I have liver disease?
Calcicar is generally not recommended for use in people with liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice on managing your cholesterol levels.
What should I do if I experience muscle pain while taking Calcicar?
Muscle pain is a common side effect of Calcicar and usually goes away after a period of time. If the pain persists or worsens, contact your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Does Calcicar cause weight gain?
No, Calcicar usually does not cause weight gain. But, some people may experience weight gain as a side effect of the medication. If you experience unexplained weight gain, contact your doctor for advice.
What should I tell my doctor before starting Calcicar?
Tell your doctor about all medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and vitamins that you are taking. Also tell your doctor if you have any allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any other medical conditions.
Can I take Calcicar with other medications to lower cholesterol?
No, it is not advised to take Calcicar with other medications to lower cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking, and if there are any potential interactions with Calcicar.
Do I need to follow any special diet while taking Calcicar?
You should follow a heart-healthy diet while taking Calcicar. This includes eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and reducing your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium.
What should I do if I experience joint pain while taking Calcicar?
Joint pain is a common side effect of Calcicar and usually goes away after a period of time. If the pain persists or worsens, contact your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Can Calcicar be used to treat high triglyceride levels?
Yes, Calcicar is used to lower levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and other fatty substances in the blood, and to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications.
Can I take Calcicar with aspirin?
Yes, you can take Calcicar with aspirin. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, dietary supplements, herbs, and vitamins that you are taking as some may interact with Calcicar.
Can I take other cholesterol-lowering medications while taking Calcicar?
No, it is not advised to take other cholesterol-lowering medications while taking Calcicar as this may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Can I get a flu shot while taking Calcicar?
Yes, you can get a flu shot while taking Calcicar. However, make sure to tell your doctor that you are taking this medication, as some vaccinations may interact with statins.
Can I take other medications to help lower my cholesterol while taking Calcicar?
No, it is not advised to take other medications to lower your cholesterol while taking Calcicar as this may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about other options for managing your cholesterol levels.
Is there a generic form of Calcicar available?
Yes, there is a generic form of Calcicar available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the availability of generic medications in your area.
Can I take vitamin supplements while taking Calcicar?
Before taking any vitamin supplements, consult your doctor. Some vitamins can interact with Calcicar and cause potentially dangerous side effects.