About alfacalcidol
Vitamin D analogue
Used for
- Treats low calcium due to kidney disease or parathyroid problems
- Helps manage bone disease associated with chronic kidney disease
Usual adult dose
Usually 0.25–1 microgram once daily, adjusted to blood calcium and phosphate levels.
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
- Blood calcium and phosphate need regular monitoring.
- Excess can cause kidney damage and abnormal heart rhythms.
- Use cautiously with kidney stones or high calcium levels.
- Do not combine with extra vitamin D or calcium without clinical guidance.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; monitoring is important because excess can harm the fetus.
Breastfeeding
May be used with clinical supervision; monitor the infant for signs of high calcium.
Interactions
- Digoxin: high calcium may increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Thiazide diuretics: may increase high-calcium risk.
- Other vitamin D or calcium products: may raise calcium levels.
- Magnesium-containing antacids: may cause high magnesium, especially with kidney disease.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.