Alfacalcidol and Calcium Carbonate

Vitamin A, D & Combinations · Calcium salt/Vitamin D analogue

Indications

Osteoporosis, renal osteodystrophy, hyperparathyroidism with bone disease, rickets & osteomalacia.

Dosage

Adults: 1-2 tab daily. Elderly: 1 tab daily. Osteoporosis: 0.5-1 mcg alfacalcidol daily with or without calcium. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, systemic alkalosis. Constipation.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia (except when occurring with hypoparathyroidism) or hypermagnesaemia, renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, concomitant digoxin therapy. Precautions: Renal failure, hypercalciuria. Periodic & regular monitoring of Ca, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, Mg & creatinine levels.

Interactions

Alfacalcidol: Digitalis glycosides, barbiturates/enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants, drugs affecting intestinal absorption e.g. mineral oil, cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate, aluminium based antacids; magnesium based antacids or laxatives, thiazides, vit D & derivatives. Calcium carbonate: Tetracycline, ciprofloxacin.

Pharmacokinetics

ALFACALCIDOL: Onset: 6 hrs. Duration: Up to 48 hrs. Absorption: Up to 100%. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 3 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Approx. 12 hrs. Excretion: Biliary. Renal. CALCIUM CARBONATE: Absorption: Predominantly in the duodenum and dependent on calcitriol and vitamin D. Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability depends on intestinal pH, the presence of food and dosage. Excretion: Faeces (mainly). Urine. Also secreted by sweat glands.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.