Alfacalcidol Pharmacology

Alfacalcidol

About Alfacalcidol

Nutritional supplement,Vitamin D derivative, Antihypoparathyroid, Antihypocalcemic.

Mechanism of Action of Alfacalcidol

Alfacalcidol is a prodrug of Vitamin D and is rapidly hydroxylated in the liver in to calcitriol. Vitamin D exerts it`s action by influencing calcium homoeostasis. It increases the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. It binds to the cytoplasmic Vitamin D receptor and translocates to the nucleus and thus increases the synthesis of specific m RNA and regulates protein synthesis. It increases the synthesis of a carrier protein for calcium called "calbindin" or calcium binding protein. Activation of Vitamin D receptor enhances endocytotic capture of calcium and it`s transport across duodenal mucosal cells in a vesicular form. Vitamin D promotes resorption of calcium and phosphate from bone by enhancing recruitment and differentiation of osteoclast precursors in the bone remodeling units. It helps in bone mineralization.

Pharmacokinets of Alfacalcidol

Absorption: Well absorbed orally, Distribution: Widely distributed in a protein bound form. It is stored in adipose tissue and liver. Metabolism: It is hydroxylated in to calcitriol in liver. Excretion: Excreted mainly through bile.

Onset of Action for Alfacalcidol

N/A

Duration of Action for Alfacalcidol

N/A

Half Life of Alfacalcidol

N/A

Side Effects of Alfacalcidol

1.Hypercalcaemia
2.Fatigue
3.Weakness
4.Diarrhoea
5.Vomiting
6.Sluggishness
7.Albuminuria
8.Polyuria
9.Calcification of soft tissues (blood vessels, parenchymal organs including heart)
10.Renal stones
11.Growh retardation in children
12.Hypertension
13.Anorexia
14.Nausea
15.Constipation
16.Hyperphosphataemia.

Contra-indications of Alfacalcidol

1.Hypercalcaemia
2.Hypervitaminosis D
3.Hyperphosphataemia (except when occurring with hypoparathyroidism
4.Hypermagnesaemia.

Special Precautions while taking Alfacalcidol

1 Renal impairment
2.Hypercalciurea
3.Renal stones
4.Coronary diseases.

Pregnancy Related Information

Use with caution

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Use with caution

Children Related Information

Use with caution

Indications for Alfacalcidol

1.Rickets and Osteomalacia
2.Hypoparathyroidism with bone disease
3.Renal osteodystrophy
4.Osteoporosis

Interactions for Alfacalcidol

Digitallis preparations: Cardiac arrhythmias precipitated.
Thiazide Diuretics: Hypercalcaemic response enhanced.
Barbiturates & other enzyme inducing anticonvulsants: Reduce efficacy.
Minteral Oil: Prolonged use reduces efficacy.
Cholestyramine, Cholestipol, Sucralfate, Aluminium based Antacids: Reduced efficacy by decreasing absorption of alfacalcidol.
Magnesium based Antacids or Laxatives: Hypermagnesaemia in those on chronic renal dialysis.

Typical Dosage for Alfacalcidol

Oral:
Starts with 1mcg daily. Adjusted based on patients response to 2mcg daily if required.
Children over 20kg: Starts with 1mcg daily. Adjusted based on patient`s response.
Children under 20kg: 0.5mcg daily or 0.05mcg/kg/day

Schedule of Alfacalcidol

Storage Requirements for Alfacalcidol

Store in a well closed container in a cool place. Protect from light and excess heat. Keep out of reach of children.

Effects of Missed Dosage of Alfacalcidol

Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Effects of Overdose of Alfacalcidol

Provide supportive and symptomatic treatment. Stops the treatment and starting a low calcium diet. Increases the fluid intake and administer Loop diuretics like furosemide may be given with saline I.V. infusion to increase calcium excretion. Calcitonin may decrease hypercalcaemia.

Home Delivery for Alfacalcidol in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including alfacalcidol.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for alfacalcidol and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for alfacalcidol may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take alfacalcidol only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for alfacalcidol before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for alfacalcidol with the pharmacy.

Alfacalcidol is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for alfacalcidol might be better known than alfacalcidol itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have alfacalcidol in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for alfacalcidol.