Composition
Cap/Tab 0.25 mcg/0.5 mcg/1 mcg: Alfacalcidol 0.25 mcg/0.5 mcg/1 mcg. Drop: Per ml: Alfacalcidol 0.2 mcg. Inj 1 mcg:Per 0.5 ml: Alfacalcidol 1 mcg.
Indications & Dosage
Severe renal impairment requiring vitamin D therapy: ORAL OR BY IV INJ: Adult: Initially 1 microgram daily, oral or IV injection over 30 sec, adjusted dose to avoid hypercalcaemia; maintenance0.25-1 microgram daily. Elderly: Initially 500 nanograms daily, adjusted dose to avoid hypercalcaemia; maintenance 0.25-1 microgramdaily Hypophosphataemic rickets, Persistent hypocalcaemiadue to hypoparathyroidism or pseudo hypoparathyroidism: ORAL OR BY IV INJ: Children 1 month-11 yrs: 25-50 nanograms/kg oral or IV injection over 30 sec, once daily; max.1 microgram per day. Children 12 & above: 1 microgram once daily, oral or IV injection over 30 sec. Prevention of vitamin D deficiency in renal or cholestaticliver disease: ORAL OR BY IV INJ: Children 1 month-11 yrs:(body-weight up to20 kg):15-30 nanograms/kg once daily; max. per dose 500nanograms; (body-weight 20 kg andabove): 250-500 nanograms once daily, oral or IV injection over 30 sec Children 12yrs& above: 250-500 nanograms once daily. One drop of alfacalcidol 2 microgram/ml oral drops contains approximately 100 nanograms alfacalcidol, oral or IV injection over 30 sec
Contraindications
Hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification.
Precautions
Caution advised.
Interactions
Barbiturates, anticonvulsants, danazol, digitalis, thiazides, antacids, colestipol, sucralfate mineral oils, cholestyramine
Pregnancy
Risk cannot be ruled out.
Side Effects
Rare: nephrocalcinosis, pruritus, rash, urticaria. Symptoms of overdose include anorexia, lassitude, weight loss, GI disorders, polyuria, sweating, headache, thirst, vertigo, and raised concentration of calcium and phosphate in plasma and urine.