What is Alfacalcidol?
Alfacalcidol is a Vitamin D active metabolite that plays a key role in calcium balance and bone metabolism. It is a Vitamin D-hormone analogue that is activated in the liver by the enzyme 25-hydroxylase for systemic and local D-hormone activities. It has a distinct pattern of pleiotropic effects on the gut, bone, parathyroids, muscle, and brain.
Alfacalcidol Uses
Alfacalcidol is a vitamin D supplement used to treat deficiency in conditions including hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), rickets (bone weakness), and others. Calcium metabolism disorders (deficiency and elevation of calcium levels in the bones or blood) caused by kidney and parathyroid gland diseases are also treated with it. The medication is also used to treat nutritional deficiencies. Alfacalcidol is a Vitamin D-hormone analogue that is activated by liver enzymes in the body. It is converted into the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol), which aids in bone strength and controls the body's other functions.
Alfacalcidol Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Alfacalcidol are:
- Itching
- Rash
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Some of the serious side effects of Alfacalcidol are:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Bone and joint pain
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Increased calcium level in blood
- Increased calcium in urine
- Increased phosphate in blood
Alfacalcidol can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions
Before taking Alfacalcidol talk with your doctor if you are having an allergic reaction to it or any other medications related to it. The drug may contain some active ingredients which can cause serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as: high calcium, difficulty while absorbing nutrition from food, kidney disease and liver disease.
How to use Alfacalcidol?
Take alfacalcidol exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once a day. Try to administer your doses at the same time per day, as this will make it easier for you to remember. If your doctor has recommended this drug, follow the directions carefully. Your dose is determined by your medical condition, sun exposure, diet, age, and treatment response. If you're taking this drug in liquid form, use a special measuring device/spoon to carefully measure the dosage. If you use a normal spoon, you might not get the right dosage. To get the most benefit from this medication, take it on a regular basis. If you're just taking it once a day, take it at the same time every day to help you remember. Try to take this drug on the same day per week if you just take it once a week.
Missed Dose
As soon as you remember, take the missing dose. If it’s time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Overdose
Vitamin D overdose can have severe or life-threatening consequences. Nausea, lack of appetite, thirst, urinating more or less than normal, body aches, weakness, confusion, or erratic heartbeats are all potential opioid signs.
Interactions
Certain drugs can inhibit your body's ability to absorb vitamin D. If you take any other drugs, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking alfacalcidol to take them. Tell your doctor about all other medications you're taking, especially: diuretic, also known as a "water pill" or mineral oil. Also, other drugs can affect this medication that includes prescriptions and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal products.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There is less information about alfacalcidol's use in pregnant women. Reproductive toxicity has been shown in animal studies at high doses. As a result, One-Alpha should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause some serious side effects to the baby and mother. Talk with your doctor if you are planning to take the medicine.
The medication can pass into the breastmilk and can cause some serious side effects to your baby. So avoid taking the medication.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Alfacalcidol vs Ergocalcifero
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| Alfacalcidol is a Vitamin D active metabolite that plays a key role in calcium balance and bone metabolism. | Ergocalciferol capsules is a calcium regulator that can be taken orally. The medication is a colourless, white crystal that is water-insoluble, soluble in organic solvents, and slightly soluble in vegetable oils. |
| Alfacalcidol is a vitamin D supplement used to treat deficiency in conditions including hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), rickets (bone weakness), and others. | Ergocalciferol is a class of medication called vitamin D analogs. This works by helping the body to use more calcium in foods or supplements. |
Some of the common side effects of Alfacalcidol are:
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Some of the common & major side effects of Ergocalciferol are::
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