About alfacalcidol
Active vitamin D analogue
Used for
- Treats low calcium and bone disease in chronic kidney disease.
- Treats hypoparathyroidism and related calcium disorders.
- Supports treatment of renal osteodystrophy.
Usual adult dose
Usually 0.25–1 microgram once daily, adjusted using calcium and phosphate blood tests.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-adjusted dosing based on age, weight, condition, and blood test results.
Common side effects
- High blood calcium or phosphate
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Weakness, headache, or dizziness
- Itching or rash
Important warnings
- Regular blood calcium, phosphate, and kidney-function monitoring is needed.
- High calcium may cause thirst, frequent urination, confusion, or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Use caution with kidney stones, heart disease, or granulomatous disorders.
- Dose changes should be guided by blood tests.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed and under medical supervision; excessive vitamin D activity can harm the fetus.
Breastfeeding
Use with medical supervision; monitor maternal and infant calcium levels when appropriate.
Interactions
- Calcium supplements and other vitamin D products can increase high-calcium risk.
- Thiazide diuretics may increase high-calcium risk.
- Digoxin toxicity risk may rise if calcium becomes high.
- Cholestyramine and mineral oil can reduce absorption.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.