About alfacalcidol
Vitamin D analogue
Used for
- Treats low calcium from chronic kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism
- Helps manage bone disease related to kidney failure
Usual adult dose
Usually 0.25–1 microgram once daily initially; adjusted using blood calcium and other tests.
Usual dose in children
Dose is individualized by age, weight, condition, and blood tests; specialist supervision is required.
Common side effects
- High blood calcium
- High blood phosphate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itching or rash
Important warnings
- Excess can cause dangerously high calcium and kidney damage.
- Regular blood calcium, phosphate, and kidney-function monitoring is needed.
- Use caution with kidney stones or other causes of high calcium.
- Doses must be adjusted carefully, especially in children.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; the prescriber should monitor calcium levels and adjust treatment.
Breastfeeding
Can be used only with clinical monitoring; check the infant for signs of high calcium.
Interactions
- Calcium supplements and thiazide diuretics can increase high-calcium risk.
- Digoxin: high calcium can increase abnormal heart-rhythm risk.
- Magnesium-containing antacids may cause high magnesium, especially with kidney disease.
- Orlistat or bile-acid binders may 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.