alfacalcidol

Action and Spectrum

Action and Spectrum:

Alfacalcidol regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in body which increases absorption from intestines, reabsorption from kidneys, and release them from bones.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Adverse reaction:

Frequency not defined

• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Vomiting
• Xerostomia
• Pruritis
• Anorexia
• Vertigo
• Hypertension
• Constipation
• Ectopic calcification
• Asthenia

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution:

Caution:

• Hyperphosphatemia
• Renal impairment
• Malabsorption

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy Warnings:

Pregnancy category: N/A

Lactation: The drug is secreted in the breast milk.

Pregnancy categories:

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no evidence of risk to the fetus in the first trimester or in the later trimester.
• Category B: No evidence of risk to fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women.
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women.
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category clearly outweigh risks over benefits. These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women.
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:

It affects parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulation which is important to maintain calcium balance in body. It suppresses PTH secretion and prevents excess calcium release from bones.

Pharmacodynamics:

It is a type of Vitamin D which gives immune response and regulates immune cell function and immunomodulation.

It decreases the release of calcium from bone and promotes its re-absorption in the kidneys. This maintains blood mineral levels, prevents excess loss in urine.

Adminstartion

Administration:

It is taken orally in tablet and capsule form.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet:

Generic Name: Alfacalcidol

Why do we use Alfacalcidol?

Alfacalcidol is effective in cases of vitamin D deficiency.

It is indicated in treatment of osteoporosis and chronic hypoparathyroidism.