Alfacalcidol

Alfacalcidiol is an analog of vitamin D3, a fat soluble sterol, sometimes considered to be hormone or hormone precursor. Alfacalcidol is involved in promoting normal bone development in body by regulating calcium, phosphorus and minerals. Vitamin D is a secosteroid and sometimes popularly known as the 'sunshine vitamine' because formed in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the influence of ultraviolet irradiation. Alfacalcidol is also found in certain foods. Fish liver oils, especially code liver oil are good sources of vitamin D. Dairy products contain some vitamin but the potency varies with season. Alfacalcidiol was introduced into clinical use in the early 1970s. Alfacalcidol is prepared by total or partial chemical synthsis. Alfacalcidol is not available in any combination preparation.

Alfacalcidol is primarily indicated in conditions like Neonatal hypocalcemia, Oncogenic hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, Osteomalacia in malabsorption syndrome, Osteoporosis, Parathyroid bone disease, Renal osteodystrophy, Renal tubular osteomalacia, Rickets in premature infants, Sporadic hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, Uremic osteodystrophy, Vitamin D therapy in patients with severe renal impairment, Vitamin D-dependent rickets, X-linked hypophosphataemic osteomalacia, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Psoriasis.

Alfacalcidol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypercalcaemia.

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Alfacalcidol, which give rise to further complications include Hypercalciuria, Urinary calcium stone formation, Hypercalcemia, CNS depression.Alfacalcidol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Coma. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Alfacalcidol therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Alfacalcidol include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Polyuria, Sweating, Headache, Anorexia, Vertigo, Thirst.

Vitamin D should not be administered to patients with hypercalcaemia. Use with extreme caution in children, because they may have increase sensitivity to its effects and should be used with care in patients with renal impairment or calculi or heart disease. Plasma phosphate level should be controlled during vitamin D therapy. Use with caution during pregnancy.

Drug should not be given to patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, and Geriatrics.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

0.25 to 1 mcg/kg (0.62 (0.625)) 24 hourly PO — Maintenance 1 mcg (1 (1)) 24 hourly PO — Initial Dose, increased gradually

0.05 ug/kg (0.05 (0.05)) 24 hourly Oral — -

0.05 mg/kg (0.05 (0.05)) 24 hourly oral —

No data regarding the interactions of Alfacalcidol was found.

Caps Store in a well closed container, Between 20°C-25°C. Inj Store Below 15°C.