Alfa D

What is it?

A manufactured form of vitamin D containing alfacalcidol (lahydroxycholcalciferol), a hydroxylated derivative. Since the conversion of vitamin D to its active form (which can be used by the body) requires hydroxylation by the kidneys, alfacalcidol is especially useful for patients suffering from any form of renal disorder. Alfa D is available in two strengths and contains 0.25µg of alfacalcidol in a pink capsule or 1µg in an orange capsule, each marked appropriately. Usedfor: rickets and osteomalacia (adult rickets, possibly caused by liver disease or malabsorption of vitamin D), overactivity of the parathyroid glands (and bone disease) (hyperparathyroidism), underactivity of the parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism), renal osteodystrophy (bone disease associated with chronic kidney failure).

Dosage

Adults: 1µg each day in first instance, adjusted according to response. Elderly patients: 0.5µg at first followed by adjustment of dose. Children over 20kg weight, 1µg daily, then adjusted dose.

Special Care

Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers; vitamin D is passed into breast milk and can cause hypercalcaemia in infants. Patients with kidney failure. Monitoring of blood plasma levels of calcium is essential during treatment.

Avoid Use

Children under 20kg body weight.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Barbiturate and anticonvulsant drugs, digitalis, danazol, thiazides, mineral supplements, colestyramine, sucralfate, colestipol.

Known Side Effects

(Associated with overdose) diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, weight loss, vertigo, headache, sweating, lethargy, thirst, elevated levels of calcium and phosphate in urine.