Alfacalcidol

Alfacalcidol is a synthetic vitamin D of oral administration, which converts to the liver in 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 Sigmacalcidol or Innosfen. There is no generic version of this active principle.

Indications

Hypocalcemia; renal osteodystrophy; osteoporosis; rickets.

Side effects

Symptoms of hypercalcaemia (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 to start when phosphate levels normalize).

How to use

Adults and adolescents:

• Hypocalcemia; renal osteodystrophy or rickets: start with 1 mcg / day. The dose may be increased from 0.5 mcg every 2 or 4 weeks to 2 mcg / day. In rare cases the dose may reach 3 mcg / day. Maintenance: 0.25 to 1 mcg / day.

• Postmenopausal, senile, or corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis : 0.5 mcg / day.

Elderly: start with 0.5 mcg / day.