Histacal

Calcium Lactate (200mg) + Luvistin (20mg)
Price: ₹75 - ₹115 for 10 tablets strip
Mfr: Zydus Cadila | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination of an essential mineral supplement (Calcium Lactate) and a first-generation sedating antihistamine (Luvistin, generic name: Clemastine). It is primarily indicated for the symptomatic relief of allergic conditions like urticaria and allergic rhinitis, while simultaneously addressing potential calcium deficiency, a common comorbidity in the Indian population due to dietary habits and limited sun exposure.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet twice daily, or as directed by the physician. Typically 1-2 tablets per day in divided doses.

Note: Take after food to minimize gastric irritation from Calcium and to enhance its absorption. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew. Avoid taking within 2 hours of other medications (especially tetracyclines, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine) or iron supplements.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to Clemastine, Calcium Lactate, or any component
  • Neonates and premature infants
  • Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Patients with severe urinary retention or prostatic hypertrophy
  • Patients with hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, or renal calculi with hypercalciuria

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Clemastine is a potent, competitive, reversible antagonist of histamine at the H1-receptor. It inhibits the vasodilatory, pruritic, and bronchoconstrictor effects of histamine. Calcium Lactate provides bioavailable calcium ions, essential for neuromuscular function, blood coagulation, and bone mineralization.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Drowsiness/Sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry nose/throat
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort (constipation, nausea)

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category B (Clemastine). Use only if clearly needed. Avoid in third trimester due to risk of neonatal anticholinergic effects. Calcium requirements increase in pregnancy (1000-1300 mg/day), but supplementation should be managed separately.

Driving: STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. Clemastine causes significant drowsiness and impairs cognitive and motor functions. Do not operate machinery.

🔄 Drug Interactions

CNS Depressants (Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Opioids)Potentiated sedation, respiratory depression, impaired motor skills.Major
Anticholinergics (Atropine, TCAs, Antipsychotics)Additive anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, confusion).Major
MAO Inhibitors (Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine)Exaggerated anticholinergic and CNS depressant effects.Contraindicated
DigoxinHypercalcemia may precipitate digitalis toxicity (arrhythmias).Major
Thiazide DiureticsIncreased risk of hypercalcemia due to reduced renal calcium excretion.Moderate
Tetracycline/Quinolone Antibiotics, Bisphosphonates, LevothyroxineCalcium binds to these drugs, significantly reducing their absorption.Major

🔁 Alternatives to Histacal

Same composition (Calcium Lactate (200mg) + Luvistin (20mg)), different brands:

Histacin-CL Allercet-CA Calmastine