Shelcal 500
Shelcal 500 is a tablet made by Torrent that contains Calcium carbonate 1250 mg (500 mg calcium) + Vitamin D3 250 IU. It combines Calcium carbonate: calcium supplement and Vitamin D3: vitamin.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calcium carbonate | 1250 mg (500 mg calcium) |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 250 IU |
Calcium carbonate
What it is used for
Provides calcium for bones and teeth; also acts as an antacid.
How it works
The most common calcium supplement (40 percent calcium), also an antacid. Supports bones and teeth with vitamin D.
How to take it
Take with meals for best absorption; no more than 500 to 600 mg of calcium at a time. Count calcium from milk, curd and paneer too.
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Wind
- Bloating
Get medical help straight away if
- Kidney stone pain
- Confusion, thirst or vomiting (too much calcium)
Be careful
Can cause constipation; keep 2 to 4 hours apart from thyroid tablets and iron.
Other medicines and interactions
Reduces absorption of iron, levothyroxine, ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, tetracyclines and bisphosphonates; separate by 2 to 4 hours.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Calcium needs rise in pregnancy and breastfeeding; supplements are commonly prescribed.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
What it is used for
Helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy; treats vitamin D deficiency.
How it works
Cholecalciferol, the form of vitamin D made in skin from sunlight. It helps absorb calcium for bones and muscles. Deficiency is very common in India despite the sun.
How to take it
Daily doses (600 to 2,000 IU) or weekly 60,000 IU for a few weeks to correct deficiency, then monthly as advised; take with the fattiest meal. Do not continue 60,000 IU weekly for long without a blood test.
Common side effects
Usually none at normal doses
Get medical help straight away if
Thirst, passing lots of urine, nausea, confusion or kidney stones (too much vitamin D raises calcium)
Be careful
High weekly doses are for deficiency only; too much over time can be harmful.
Other medicines and interactions
Thiazide diuretics with high doses raise calcium. Orlistat, liquid paraffin and some anti-epileptics reduce vitamin D.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal doses; high-dose regimens only on medical advice.
Common questions
What is Shelcal 500?
Shelcal 500 is a tablet by Torrent containing Calcium carbonate 1250 mg (500 mg calcium) + Vitamin D3 250 IU.
What is Shelcal 500 used for?
Provides calcium for bones and teeth; also acts as an antacid. Helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy; treats vitamin D deficiency.
How should I take Shelcal 500?
Take with meals for best absorption; no more than 500 to 600 mg of calcium at a time. Count calcium from milk, curd and paneer too. Daily doses (600 to 2,000 IU) or weekly 60,000 IU for a few weeks to correct deficiency, then monthly as advised; take with the fattiest meal. Do not continue 60,000 IU weekly for long without a blood test. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Shelcal 500?
Common side effects include: Constipation, wind, bloating, Usually none at normal doses. Get medical help straight away for: Kidney stone pain, confusion, thirst or vomiting (too much calcium), Thirst, passing lots of urine, nausea, confusion or kidney stones (too much vitamin D raises calcium).
Does Shelcal 500 need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take Shelcal 500 in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Calcium needs rise in pregnancy and breastfeeding; supplements are commonly prescribed. Recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal doses; high-dose regimens only on medical advice.
What are the substitutes for Shelcal 500?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Calcium carbonate: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements · NHS · MedlinePlus
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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