Common use

Alfacalcidol (an analogue of vitamin D) contains active ingredient Alfacalcidol and administered to treat conditions with impairments of calcium metabolism caused by 1-α hydroxylation disorders such as when there is reduced renal function. The conditions treated by Alfacalcidol are renal osteodystrophy, hyperparathyroidism (a disorder with parathyroid hormone deficiency, the substance required for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus), hypoparathyroidism, neonatal hypocalcaemia, nutritional and malabsorptive rickets and osteomalacia, pseudo-deficiency (D-dependent) rickets and osteomalacia, hypophosphataemic vitamin D resistant rickets and osteomalacia, osteoporosis.



Dosage and direction

Daily dose of Alfacalcidol is 1 mcg/day. The dose should be reduced in the elderly, neonates and premature infants, children under 20 kg bodyweight.



Precautions

The patients treated by Alfacalcidol should be regularly tested to avoid hypercalcaemia for plasma levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase, radiographic and histological investigations. The tests are needed especially for the patients with chronic renal failure because the decline of renal function may be aggravated by prolonged hypercalcaemia.



Contraindications

Patients with hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification, hyperphosphataemia (except when occurring with hypoparathyroidism) or hypermagnesaemia, vitamin D toxicity or hypersensitivity to the vitamin D or its analogues cannot be treated by Alfacalcidol.



Possible side effect

The following adverse reactions may occur: hypercalcemia, malaise, tiredness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, headache and dizziness, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, abdominal or gastrointestinal pain such as heartburn, heart palpitations, bone, muscle and joint pain.



Drug interaction

Long-term treatment with anticonvulsants, including phenytoin, may change vitamin D and calcium metabolism. This results in metabolic bone disease and hypocalcaemia and even seizures. Monitoring of calcium levels in the patients on antiepileptic drugs is required.



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your doses at about the same time each day to avoid missing a dose.



Overdose

Signs of Alfacalcidol overdose may be the following: high fever, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain (severe).



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not use after expiration term.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.