Alfacalcidol

Overview

Alfacalcidiol is an analog of vitamin D3, a fat soluble sterol, sometimes considered to be hormone or hormone precursor. Alfacalcidol is involved in promoting normal bone development in body by regulating calcium, phosphorus and minerals. Vitamin D is a secosteroid and sometimes popularly known as the 'sunshine vitamine' because formed in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the influence of ultraviolet irradiation. Alfacalcidol is also found in certain foods. Fish liver oils, especially code liver oil are good sources of vitamin D. Dairy products contain some vitamin but the potency varies with season. Alfacalcidiol was introduced into clinical use in the early 1970s. Alfacalcidol is prepared by total or partial chemical synthsis. Alfacalcidol is not available in any combination preparation.

Categories

• 27 Vitamins, minerals, tonics, and other susbstances

Page headings

Primary Characterstics

Indications

Pharmacokinetics

Contraindications

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Alfacalcidol, which give rise to further complications include Urinary calcium stone formation, Hypercalciuria, Hypercalcemia, CNS depression.

Alfacalcidol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Coma. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Alfacalcidol therapy.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Alfacalcidol include Vertigo, Nausea, Anorexia, Thirst, Vomiting, Polyuria, Headache, Sweating, Diarrhea.

Dosage

Alfacalcidol's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
0.25 to 1 mcg/kg	0.62 (0.625)	24 hourly	PO	Maintenance
1 mcg	1 (1)	24 hourly	PO	Initial Dose, increased gradually
Paedriatic Dosage (20kg)
0.05 ug/kg	0.05 (0.05)	24 hourly	Oral	-
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0.05 mg/kg	0.05 (0.05)	24 hourly	oral

High Risk Groups

Warning / Precautions

Storage Conditions

Interference in Pathology

Brands / Trade Names of Alfacalcidol

Manufacturers of Alfacalcidol in Pakistan

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