PRODUCT DETAILS

About Alpha D3 0.5mcg Capsule

ALFACALCIDOL belongs to the class of 'Vitamins', primarily used to treat low blood calcium and phosphate levels. ALFACALCIDOL effectively treats Vitamin D deficiency, renal osteodystrophy (changes in bone caused by kidney failure), hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid glands make high levels of calcium in the body), hypoparathyroidism (parathyroid glands make low levels of calcium in the body), hypocalcaemia (low levels of calcium), and rickets or osteomalacia (softening or deforming of bones due to lack of calcium). Vitamin D deficiency occurs when your body has low Vitamin D levels and is caused due to inadequate nutrition, intestinal malabsorption, or lack of exposure to sunlight.

ALFACALCIDOL contains 'Alfacalcidol,' which is an analogue of Vitamin D. It is a nutritional supplement activated by liver enzymes after intake. Alfacalcidol is further converted into the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) and works by strengthening the bones by increasing the calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Calcium and phosphate are the essential substances to form healthy bones and teeth. 

ALFACALCIDOL is available in the form of an oral tablet, capsule, solution, and intravenous shot. Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. ALFACALCIDOL is likely safe when taken by mouth or given as a shot. In some cases, it may cause side effects like weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side effects of ALFACALCIDOL do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.

If you are known to be allergic to ALFACALCIDOL or its inactive components, please inform your doctor. Please tell your doctor if you have hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), and malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food). Brief your medical history if you have any heart/kidney/liver/blood vessel diseases, sarcoidosis (growth of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body), and kidney stones. Chewable or dissolving tablets of ALFACALCIDOL may contain sugar or aspartame; hence caution should be taken if you have diabetes and phenylketonuria (increased levels of an amino acid called phenylalanine). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking ALFACALCIDOL. Higher doses of Vitamin D than the recommended daily dose should be used in pregnant women only when advised by the doctor. ALFACALCIDOL passes into the breast milk, hence breastfeeding mothers need to seek medical advice before starting ALFACALCIDOL. ALFACALCIDOL is safe to use in children when prescribed by the doctor. 

Uses of Alpha D3 0.5mcg Capsule

Osteomalacia (Rickets), Vitamin D deficiency, Hypoparathyroidism, Renal Osteodystrophy, Hyperparathyroidism, and Hypocalcaemia 

Medicinal Benefits of Alpha D3 0.5mcg Capsule

ALFACALCIDOL is used to treat low blood calcium and phosphate levels. It contains Alfacalcidol, a vitamin D analogue. It is used to treat vitamin D deficiency, renal osteodystrophy, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcaemia, and rickets or osteomalacia. ALFACALCIDOL is activated by liver enzymes after intake, which is further converted into the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol). It works by strengthening the bones by increasing the calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.

Directions for Use

ALFACALCIDOL is available in the form of an oral tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, tablet, liquid, and intravenous shot formulations. Tablet/Capsule: Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water. You can take ALFACALCIDOL with or without food at regular intervals, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not crush, chew or break it. Your doctor will decide the dosage based on the severity of your medical condition. Chewable tablet: Take ALFACALCIDOL chewable tablet by mouth. Chew it completely before swallowing. Liquid: Measure the liquid form of ALFACALCIDOL with a measuring cup and take it as advised by the doctor. Intravenous shot: ALFACALCIDOL is injected into the vein or given as a shot by a nurse or doctor.

Side Effects of Alpha D3 0.5mcg Capsule

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Sleepiness

• Headache

• Loss of appetite

• Dry mouth

• Metallic taste

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Let your doctor know if you are allergic to ALFACALCIDOL or its inactive components. ALFACALCIDOL is not recommended if you have hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), and malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food). Brief your medical history if you have any heart/kidney/liver/blood vessel diseases, sarcoidosis (growth of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body), and kidney stones.

Chewable and dissolving tablets of ALFACALCIDOL contain sugar or aspartame; hence caution should be taken if you have diabetes and phenylketonuria (increased levels of an amino acid called phenylalanine). Higher doses of Vitamin D than the recommended daily dose should be used in pregnant women only when advised by the doctor. ALFACALCIDOL is excreted into the breast milk, hence consult your doctor before taking ALFACALCIDOL if you are a breastfeeding mother. Drinking alcohol can affect calcium absorption; therefore, it is advised to limit the alcohol intake while using ALFACALCIDOL. ALFACALCIDOL is safe to use in children when prescribed by the doctor. Do not store ALFACALCIDOL above 25°C.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

ALFACALCIDOL may interact with other vitamin D supplements (Calcipotriene), antacids (that contain Aluminium), heart-related drugs (digoxin), blood pressure medicines (Diltiazem, verapamil), and water pills (chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone, and chlorthalidone).

Drug-Disease Interaction:

ALFACALCIDOL is contraindicated in hypercalcaemia, hypervitaminosis D, malabsorption syndrome, Vitamin D toxicity, heart/kidney/liver/blood vessel diseases, kidney stones, sarcoidosis, and diabetes. 

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

Drinking alcohol can affect calcium absorption; hence it is advised to limit the alcohol intake while using ALFACALCIDOL.

PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, use higher doses of ALFACALCIDOL than the daily dietary allowance only when advised by the doctor. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing ALFACALCIDOL.

BREAST FEEDING

Consult your doctor before taking ALFACALCIDOL if you are breastfeeding. ALFACALCIDOL can pass into the breast milk. If ALFACALCIDOL is used during breastfeeding, please monitor the serum calcium levels of the mother and the infant.

DRIVING

If you experience any dizziness while using ALFACALCIDOL, do not drive or operate machinery. Please consult your doctor if you experience any dizziness.

LIVER

Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking ALFACALCIDOL. Hepatic impairment/liver disease can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of certain Vitamin D forms.

KIDNEY

It is advised to seek doctor advice before starting ALFACALCIDOL if you have kidney diseases like kidney stones or undergoing dialysis. Caution should be taken in patients undergoing dialysis to maintain adequate phosphorus levels and avoid ectopic calcification (calcium deposition).