Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets)
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Calcium carbonate, Calcium lactate gluconate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Calvive contains a rich source of calcium which is an essential mineral, necessary for bone formation and maintenance. Calvive is used in the prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency, and may be used, with other medicines, to prevent and treat a condition called osteoporosis (weakening of the bones). Calvive is also used, together with vitamin D3, for the treatment of rickets (softening of growing bones in children) and osteomalacia (softening of adults bones). Calcium is absorbed from the intestine and distributed throughout the body in the blood. Calcium plays an important role in several body functions. It is essential for nerve, muscle and heart function as well as for the clotting of blood. In addition, it is necessary for many hormones to work properly in the body. To carry out these various roles, calcium must be available in the appropriate concentration.
What you need to know before you take it
e Calvive Do not take Calvive:
- If you are allergic to calcium and any of the other ingredients of Calvive (see the list of ingredients in section 6 at the end of the leaflet).
- If you are suffering from raised levels of blood calcium (hypercalcaemia);
- If you are suffering from increased calcium in your urine (hypercalciuria);
- If you are suffering from certain kidney problems including: kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) and calcium deposits in your kidney tissue (nephrocalcinosis). Warnings and precautions
- If you suffer from a kidney disease, only take Calvive after consulting your doctor,
and especially if you are taking preparations containing aluminium.
- Do not take vitamin D products together with Calvive without medical advice. Other medicines and Calvive Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a medical prescription because calcium can interact with certain other medicines if taken at the same time.
- If you are taking, or have recently taken, cardiac glycosides, thiazide diuretics, or corticosteroids, you must follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
- If you are taking oral bisphosphonates or sodium fluoride, take Calvive at least 3 hours after these medicines.
- If you are taking one of a group of antibiotics called tetracyclines, take Calvive at least 2 hours after or 4-6 hours before the tetracycline. Calvive with food and drink
- Calvive should not be taken within 2 hours of eating foods high in oxalic or phytic acid such as spinach, rhubarb and whole cereals. Pregnancy and breast-feeding
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking Calvive if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Calvive can be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding in case of a calcium deficiency. In general, the adequate daily intake (including food and supplementation) for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 1000 – 1300 mg calcium. The total daily intake of calcium during pregnancy and breast-feeding should not exceed 1500 mg.
- Calcium passes into breast-milk but has no negative effect on the baby. Driving and using machines
- There is no known effect on the ability to drive or operate machines caused by taking Calvive. Calvive contains aspartame, sodium, sorbitol, benzyl alcohol, sulphur dioxide and glucose.
- Calvive is suitable for diabetics (1 effervescent tablet of 1000 mg contains 0.002 Carbohydrate Units).
- This medicine contains 136.90 mg of sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each effervescent tablet. This is equivalent to 6.9 % of the recommended maximum daily intake of sodium for an adult.
- This medicine contains 180 nanogram benzyl alcohol in each effervescent tablet. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions. Benzyl alcohol has been linked with the risk of severe side effects including breathing problems (called "gasping syndrome") in young children. Do not give to your newborn baby (up to 4 weeks old), unless recommended by your doctor. Do not use for more than a week in young children (less than 3 years old), unless advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for advice if you have a liver or kidney disease. This is because large amounts of benzyl alcohol can build-up in your body and may cause side effects (called "metabolic acidosis").
- This medicine contains 210 nanogram sulphur dioxide that may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.
- This medicine contains 30 mg aspartame (E 951) in each effervescent tablet. Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. It may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which phenylalanine builds up, because the body cannot remove it properly.
- This medicine contains 630 microgram sorbitol in each effervescent tablet.
- This medicine contains glucose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. It may be harmful to the teeth.
How to take it
Calvive As with all medicinal products, please follow all of the instructions carefully to ensure that Calvive works properly.
- For Calvive 1000 mg:
- Children and adults take one effervescent tablet (one single dose) once per day. Dissolve Calvive in a glass of water (approximately 200 ml) and drink immediately. Do not swallow or chew the tablet. Calvive can be taken with or without food (see the section "Taking Calvive with food and drink" for further advice). How long should you take Calvive Take Calvive at the recommended daily dose for as long as you are advised by your doctor. As Calvive is used in the prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency and, taken with other medicines, in the prevention and treatment of a condition called osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), it is likely this will be a long term treatment. If you take more Calvive than you should Overdose of Calvive may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, thirst or constipation. If overdose is suspected, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. If you forget to take Calvive Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, Calvive can cause side effects although not everybody gets them.
- Very rare side effects (occur in less than 1 in 10'000 people) include:
- severe allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing. If you experience any of the above listed allergic reactions, STOP taking Calvive and tell your doctor immediately.
- Rare side effects (occur in less than 1 person out of 1'000) include:
- nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, vomiting, itching, redness and/or burning of the skin.
- Uncommon side effects (occur in less than 1 person out of 100) may include:
- excessive calcium level in the blood (hypercalcaemia) or excessive excretion of calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria). Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible
Possible side effects
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Calvive
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Expiry date: Do not take Calvive after the expiry date stated on the box and on the tube after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Storage conditions: Store in the original package and keep the tube tightly closed. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Calvive contains The active substances are calcium lactate gluconate and calcium carbonate.
- Each tablet of 1000 mg contains 2263 mg of calcium lactate gluconate and 1750 mg of calcium carbonate (equivalent to 1000 mg of calcium). The other ingredients are: citric acid anhydrous, orange flavouring (contains benzyl alcohol, sorbitol (E 420), glucose and sulphur dioxide (E 220)), aspartame (E 951), macrogol 6000 and sodium hydrogen carbonate. What Calvive looks like and contents of the pack The effervescent tablet is white and circular with a characteristic orange odour. Calvive 1000 mg is available in packs of 30 effervescent tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed Marketing Authorisation Holder: Haleon UK Trading Limited, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, U.K. Manufacturer: Haleon UK Trading Services Limited, Building 5, First Floor, The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, KT13 0NY, United Kingdom Trade Marks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon group of companies. This leaflet was last revised in December 2023.
GB 320758 – DN502004/GB-180
Frequently asked questions about Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets)
How do I take Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets)?
Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets) comes as tablet. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets)?
The active substance in Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets) is calcium carbonate, calcium lactate gluconate.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets), as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets) without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: calcium carbonate, calcium lactate gluconate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
- Prevention and treatment of calcium deficiency
- Calcium supplement as an adjunct to specific therapy in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
- Rickets and osteomalacia, in addition to vitamin D3 therapy
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Adults and children: 1000mg per day.
The effervescent tablets should be dissolved in a glass of water (approx. 200 ml) and drunk immediately. Calvive 1000 effervescent tablet may be taken with or without food.
4.3. Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1 of the effervescent tablet
- Diseases and/or conditions resulting in hypercalcaemia and/or hypercalciuria
- Nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
For patients with mild hypercalciuria (exceeding 300 mg/24 hours or 7.5 mmol/24 hours), or with a history of urinary calculi, monitoring of calcium excretion in the urine is required. If necessary, the calcium dose should be reduced or therapy should be discontinued. An increased fluid intake is recommended for patients prone to formation of calculi in the urinary tract.
In patients with impaired renal function, calcium salts should be taken under medical supervision with monitoring of calcium and phosphate serum levels.
During high dose therapy and especially during concomitant treatment with vitamin D, there is a risk of hypercalcaemia with subsequent kidney function impairment. In these patients serum calcium levels should be followed and renal function should be monitored.
There have been literature reports alluding to possible increased absorption of aluminium with citrate salts. Calvive 1000 effervescent tablet (which contains 3323.0 mg of citric acid) should be used with caution in patients with severely impaired renal function, especially those also receiving aluminium-containing preparations.
Calvive 1000 effervescent tablet contains aspartame, sodium, sorbitol, benzyl alcohol, sulphur dioxide and glucose
This medicine contains 630 microgram sorbitol (E 420) in each tablet.
This medicinal product contains 5.95 mmol (corresponding to 136.90 mg) sodium per tablet, equivalent to 6.9 % of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.
This medicine contains 180 nanogram benzyl alcohol in each tablet. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions. Intravenous administration of benzyl alcohol has been associated with serious adverse events and death in neonates (“gasping syndrome”). The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. Increased risk due to accumulation in young children. High volumes should be used with caution and only if necessary, especially in subjects with liver or kidney impairment because of the risk of accumulation and toxicity (metabolic acidosis).
This medicine contains 210 nanogram sulphur dioxide that may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm.
This medicine contains 30 mg aspartame in each effervescent tablet. Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine, and may be harmful for people with phenylketonuria.
This medicine contains glucose. Patients with rare glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine. It may also be harmful to the teeth.
Calvive 1000 effervescent tablets should be kept out of the reach of children.
Information for diabetics:
One effervescent tablet contains 0.002 Carbohydrate Units and is therefore suitable for diabetics.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Thiazide diuretics reduce the urinary excretion of calcium. Due to increased risk of hypercalcaemia, serum calcium should be regularly monitored during concomitant use of thiazide diuretics.
Systemic corticosteroids reduce calcium absorption. During concomitant use, it may be necessary to increase the dose of Calvive 1000.
Tetracycline preparations administered concomitantly with calcium preparations may not be well-absorbed. For this reason, tetracycline preparations should be administered at least two hours before or four to six hours after oral intake of calcium.
Cardiac glycoside toxicity may increase with hypercalcaemia resulting from treatment with calcium. Patients should be monitored with regard to electrocardiogram (ECG) and serum calcium levels.
If an oral bisphosphonate or sodium fluoride is used concomitantly, this preparation should be administered at least three hours before the intake of Calvive 1000 since gastrointestinal absorption of either oral bisphosphonate or sodium fluoride may be reduced.
Oxalic acid (found in spinach and rhubarb) and phytic acid (found in whole cereals) may inhibit calcium absorption through formation of insoluble compounds with calcium ions. The patient should not take calcium products within two hours of eating foods high in oxalic acid and phytic acid.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
The adequate daily intake (including food and supplementation) for normal pregnant and lactating women is 1000-1300 mg calcium.
During pregnancy, the daily intake of calcium should not exceed 1500 mg. Significant amounts of calcium are secreted in milk during lactation but do not cause any adverse effects to the neonate.
Calvive 1000 effervescent tablets can be used during pregnancy and lactation in case of a calcium deficiency
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Calvive 1000 has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Adverse reactions are listed below, by system organ class and frequency. Frequencies are defined as: uncommon (>1/1,000, <1/100), rare (>1/10,000, <1/1,000) or very rare (<1/10,000), including isolated reports.
Immune system disorders:
Rare: Hypersensitivity, such as rash, pruritus, urticaria.
Very rare: Isolated cases of systemic allergic reactions (anaphylactic reaction, face oedema, angioneurotic oedema) have been reported
Metabolism and nutrition disorders:
Uncommon: Hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria
Gastrointestinal disorders:
Rare: flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9. Overdose
Overdose leads to hypercalciuria and hypercalcaemia. Symptoms of hypercalcaemia may include: nausea, vomiting, thirst, polydipsia, polyuria, dehydration and constipation. Chronic overdose with resulting hypercalcaemia can cause vascular and organ calcification.
The threshold for calcium intoxication is from supplementation in excess of 2000 mg per day, taken for several months.
Treatment of overdose:
In the case of an intoxication, treatment should be stopped immediately and the fluid deficiency should be corrected.
In case of chronic overdose where hypercalcaemia is present, the initial therapeutic step is hydration with saline solution. A loop diuretic (e.g., furosemide) may then be used to further increase calcium excretion and to prevent volume overload, but thiazide diuretics should be avoided. In patients with renal failure, hydration is ineffective and they should undergo dialysis. In the case of persistent hypercalcaemia, contributing factors should be excluded, e.g., vitamin A or D hypervitaminosis, primary hyperparathyroidism, malignancies, renal failure, or immobilisation.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Calvive 1000 Effervescent Tablets (formerly Sandocal Tablets). The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.