Alfacalcidol is a commonly used drug for treating vitamin D deficiency. It is derived from Vitamin D and is used by the body for regulation of Calcium and Phosphate. It helps to increase the vitamin D absorption in the body.

Working
The drug is a form of Vitamin D and gets converted rapidly in the liver into calcitrol. Alfacalcidol is used for controlling the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and plays a significant role in regulating the bone mineralization.

In cases of chronic renal failure, oral administration of this drug helps to increase the production of calcitrol and remove abnormalities of calcium and phosphate. In turn, this results in curing intestinal malabsorption of calcium and phosphate and also increased blood calcium levels.

Alfacalcidol is also given for a more rapid increase in active vitamin D and hence calcium, in people suffering from bone diseases. This form of Vitamin D is more effective and provides a quicker response than the normal dietary vitamin D supplements.

Used For
Alfacalcidol is very useful for treating:

• Hypocalcaemia or low blood calcium levels in the neonate.
• Hypoparathyroidism or Low parathyroid function or
• Hyperparathyroidism or Over activity of the parathyroid glands
• Softening of the bones due to lack of Vitamin D in the body
• Correction of calcium and phosphate metabolism abnormalities in renal osteodystrophy.

Dosage
Adults: 1mcg/day, Lederly: 0.5mcg/day
Children under 20 kg: 0.05 mcg/day
Premature infants and neonates:

Contra-indications: Hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia without hypoparathyroidism and hyper- magnesaemia

Side Effects
The drug has certain side effects, that can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the side effects, that are often associated with the drug:

• Central Nervous System Depression
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Thirst
• Constipation
• Drowsiness

Brands