Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Alfacalcidol

Alfacalcidol: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Is Alfacalcidol?

Alfacalcidol is an analog of vitamin D and offers uses in treating a wide range of conditions because of changes in calcium levels. It is an analog of vitamin D hormone that gets activated by specific enzymes in the liver. Calcitriol (vitamin D3) is the active metabolite of Alfacalcidol, which helps regulate bone metabolism and correction of the calcium balance in a variety of calcium deficiency conditions.

What are the uses of Alfacalcidol?

We associate most Alfacalcidol uses with regulation of calcium levels. Some uses of Alfacalcidol are:

  • Chronic kidney failure– Disorders of the kidney lead to low levels of calcium. Doctors use Alfacalcidol in patients who are on dialysis because of chronic renal failure.
  • Rickets– Softening of bones can lead to frequent fractures in rickets and osteomalacia. Alfacalcidol promotes the absorption of calcium in these patients.

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    What are the side effects of Alfacalcidol?

    Alfacalcidol may cause some common side effects as:

    • Vomiting.
    • Skin rashes.
    • Pain in the abdomen.
    • Constipation.
    • Headache.
    • Itching.

    Following are some notable side effects of Alfacalcidol

    • High levels of calcium in urine.
    • Palpitations.
    • Joint pain.
    • High levels of calcium or phosphate in the blood.
    • Muscular weakness.

    Alfacalcidol is well-tolerated. However, it is better to consult a physician to know precautions and side effects before starting the dosage.

    What is Alfacalcidol

    Uses of Alfacalcidol

    Side effects of Alfacalcidol

    References

    1. https://www.practo.com/medicine-info/alfacalcidol-1640-api
    2. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01436

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Alfacalcidol

    Alfacalcidol is one analog of vitamin D3. Alfacalcidol is not available in the USA. Calcitriol, another version of vitamin D3, is available in the US. The brand name of calcitriol in the US is Rocaltrol. Alfacalcidol and calcitriol have similar uses, as both are versions of vitamin D.

    Alfacalcidol and cholecalciferol are two versions of vitamin D with similar uses. There are no significant factors to establish the superiority of Alfacalcidol over cholecalciferol. According to one clinical trial that compared the efficacy of both the drugs in topical forms, Alfacalcidol may have better efficacy in bone tissue development.

    Alfacalcidol is a version of vitamin D that converts to calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D. Alfacalcidol finds its uses as a vitamin D supplement in various deficiency disorders. It is also helpful to treat hypocalcaemia, or low calcium levels in the blood because of calcium metabolism disorders.

    Alfacalcidol is a version of the vitamin D hormone. It undergoes conversion to calcitriol in the liver, which is the active form of vitamin D3. The pure form of vitamin D is not suitable as a nutritional supplement because its activation is not possible in most patients. Alfacalcidol increases the availability of active vitamin D as it bypasses the regulatory mechanism.

    Follow your doctor’s advice while using Alfacalcidol. Alfacalcidol has a daily dose regimen. You should take it precisely during the same time every day to maintain a gap of 24 hours between two doses. You may take Alfacalcidol with or without food. Continue using per the doctor’s advice, even if you are symptom-free.

    The usual dose of Alfacalcidol is once in a day or OD in medical slang. You should maintain a gap of 24 hours in every two doses. Taking the Alfacalcidol dose every day at the same time will also avoid missing the dose. You can take Alfacalcidol every day per the recommendation of your physician.

    Renal failure can lead to changes in levels of calcium and phosphorus. Alfacalcidol is a derivative of vitamin D3. It does not require the route of the kidney for conversion to vitamin D.

    The role of Alfacalcidol in kidney disease is to suppress the action of parathyroid hormones that can cause bone abnormalities.

    Constipation is one of the side effects of Alfacalcidol. It may also occur if there is an overdose of Alfacalcidol. You should discuss your concerns with the physician and follow the dose per recommendations. Report to the doctor or talk to our experts if you experience constipation or other side effects.

    The efficacy of Alfacalcidol remains the same whether you take it with or without meals. You may take Alfacalcidol without food if you are taking other medication with food and need to reduce the total number of pills. Consult with your doctor to find more about the dose of Alfacalcidol.

    Alfacalcidol is a version of vitamin D that helps improve the absorption of calcium. Sometimes doctors may recommend Alfacalcidol with calcium preparations to aid the uptake of calcium in the blood. Vitamin D needs activation at the kidney level for its absorption. Alfacalcidol regulates calcium levels in kidney failure since it converts to the active metabolite of vitamin D in the liver.