AlfaD

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > A



How does it work?

Alfacalcidol is a form of vitamin D. It is converted rapidly in the liver to the active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol). In the normal situation it controls the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and plays an important part in the regulation of bone mineralisation. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys produce insufficient calcitriol and this leads to abnormalities of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Oral administration of alfacalcidol to patients with chronic renal failure compensates for the reduced production of calcitriol. Consequently, intestinal malabsorption of calcium and phosphate and the resulting hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium levels) are improved, thereby reversing the signs and symptoms of bone disease. Alfacalcidol is also given to provide a more rapid increase in active vitamin D and hence calcium, in people with various bone diseases. As this form of vitamin D only requires one conversion to become calcitriol, it provides a quicker response than giving normal dietary vitamin D. supplements.

What is it used for?

- Hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium level) in the neonate.
- Low parathyroid function (hypoparathyroidism)
- Over activity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism)
- Softening of the bones when there is lack of Vitamin D in the body
- The correction of abnormalities of calcium and phosphate metabolism in renal osteodystrophy.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy.
- This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.