Alfacip contains an active ingredient called Alfacalcidol (or 1-hydroxycholecalciferol) which is a derivative form of Vitamin D. It affects calcium metabolism, parathyroid hormone level and immune system. It helps to treat and prevent osteodystrophy, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, neonatal hypocalcaemia, rickets, osteomalacia, bone falls and fractures, osteoporosis.
Directions
Take this medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed it. You must carefully follow all directions. The daily dose of Alfacip is about 0.25-0.5 microgram. Generally the dosage is further adjusted regarding your plasma calcium response.
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you are being treated with cardioactive glycosides or digitalis as interaction with alfacalcidol may cause hypercalcaemia resulting in arrhythmia. Cautiousness should be exercised if this medicine is taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women as there is no data if it can cause harm to a fetus or excrete into breast milk. Turn to your pharmacist for more details.
Contraindications
This medicine is contraindicated in patients having displayed hypersensitivity to vitamin D or to its derivatives; hypermagnesaemia; hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification; nephrolithiasis.
Possible side effect
An adverse drug response may involve hypercalcemia; muscle and joints’ pain; sickness; fatigue; nausea; emesis; xerostomia; migraines; vertigo; stool retention; diarrhea; gastrointestinal disorders; heartburn; heart palpitations; pruritus.
Drug interactions
This medication is able to interact with digitalis and glycosides causing cardiac arrhythmias; with a class of barbiturates and anticonvulsants as these medicines reduce the dose of alfacalcidol in the body delaying the effects of treatment; cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate and antacids that contain big amount of calcium inhibit the absorption of alfacalcidol; antacids with magnesium and laxatives can cause hypermagnesaemia in patients who are on renal dialysis; thiazide diuretics and medications that contain calcium are able to cause hypercalemia. Patients that take alfacalcidol should not use any other derivatives of Vitamin D as it can cause hypercalemia.
Missed dose
In case you have missed to take a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If you are already supposed to take the next dose, do not take the dose you forgot and keep your ordinary dosing schedule. Do not take two dosages right away.
Overdose
If you suspect you have used too much of this medication, seek emergency medical attention right away. Generally symptoms of overdose include muscle mental confusion, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, palpitations, and hypotension.
Storage
Store this product in a dry tight container away from sources of sunlight, heat and moisture at room temperature of 59-77 F (15-25 C). Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep this product out of the reach of children and pets. Do not apply any remnants of the medication after the expiry date.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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