Alfacalcidol is a synthetic vitamin D administered orally, which is converted into the liver into calcitriol, which is vitamin D3, thus regulating the absorption and utilization of calcium by the body.
Alfacacidol can be found in pharmacies under the names of Sigmacalcidol or Innosfen. There is no presentation in a generic version of this active ingredient.
Indications
Hypocalcemia; renal osteodystrophy; osteoporosis; rickets.
Side effects
Symptoms of hypercalcemia (dry mouth; tiredness or weakness; constipation; diarrhea; headache; metallic taste; nausea; loss of appetite; increased thirst; increased urine; vomiting).
Contraindications
Pregnancy risk C; hypercalcemia; hypervitaminosis D; renal osteodystrophy with hyperphosphatemia (risk of metastatic calcification; only start when phosphate levels return to normal).
How to use
Adults and adolescents:
- Hypocalcemia; renal osteodystrophy or rickets: start with 1 mcg / day. The dose can be increased by 0.5 mcg every 2 or 4 weeks until reaching 2 mcg / day. In rare cases the dose can reach 3 mcg / day. Maintenance: 0.25 to 1 mcg / day.
- Osteoporosis after menopause, senile or corticosteroid-induced: 0.5 mcg / day.
Elderly: start at 0.5 mcg / day.
