What is the drug alfacalcidol used for?
Although alfacalcidol is widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis, its mechanism of action in bone is not fully understood. Alfacalcidol stimulates intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption, increases urinary Ca excretion and serum Ca levels, and suppresses parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion.
What is alfacalcidol 0.5 mcg?
Description. Alfacalcidol is used as a supplement to treat deficiency of Vitamin D associated with conditions such as hypocalcemia (decreased blood calcium levels), rickets (weakening of bones), etc.
Is alfacalcidol safe?
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.
Is alfacalcidol a vitamin D3?
Alphacalcidol (also called alfacalcidol), a vitamin D3 derivative, can bypass the renal 1-α-hydroxylase due to its pre-existing hydroxyl group at the 1st carbon, and can then undergo hydroxylation in the liver to yield 1,25OH2 D. This compound has been used in Europe and effectively suppresses PTH in dialysis patients.
Is alfacalcidol the same as vitamin D3?
We conclude that alfacalcidol plus calcium is highly superior to plain vitamin D3 plus calcium in the treatment of established GC induced osteoporosis, and the latter should no longer be used as monotherapy.
What is alfacalcidol?
Alfacalcidol is Vitamin D-hormone analog which is activated by the enzyme 25-hydroxylase in the liver for systemic and in osteoblasts for local D-hormone actions. It possesses a unique pattern of pleiotropic effects on, e.g. gut, bone, pararthyroids, muscle and brain.
How is alfacalcidol converted to vitamin D?
Alfacalcidol is rapidly converted in the liver to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, which is essentially the metabolite of vitamin D that regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism. Alfacalcidol is further metabolized to other polar inactive metabolites, excreted primarily through the bile. 12
Can cholecalciferol and alfacalcidol be taken together?
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Cholecalciferol is combined with Alfacalcidol. Cholestyramine The serum concentration of Alfacalcidol can be decreased when it is combined with Cholestyramine.
When is alfacalcidol indicated in the treatment of renal failure?
Alfacalcidol is indicated in adult patients with chronic renal failure for the management of hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, or osteodystrophy. 9