GelClinical Overview
Alfacalcidol Soft Gelatin Capsules (0.25 mcg) is an oral synthetic prodrug of active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It possesses 1-alpha hydroxylation and requires only hepatic 25-hydroxylation (by CYP2R1) to become fully active calcitriol, completely bypassing the renal 1-alpha-hydroxylase step which is impaired in renal disease. It binds to the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), powerfully stimulating intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, suppressing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, and promoting bone mineralization. Indicated for renal osteodystrophy in chronic kidney disease, hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroidism, nutritional/malabsorptive rickets, and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally 0.25 mcg to 1.0 mcg once daily with water, with or without food. Dosage is individualized based on periodic serum calcium monitoring.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Extremely safe at therapeutic doses. Overdose manifestations (hypercalcemia): Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, weakness, headache. Rare/Severe: Severe hypercalcemia, nephrocalcinosis, and metastatic soft tissue calcification.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Regularly monitor serum calcium and phosphate levels (every 1 to 3 months); if hypercalcemia develops (serum calcium > 10.5 mg/dL), immediately withhold therapy until calcium normalizes. Contraindicated in hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, or vitamin D toxicity.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or analgesic treatment guidance. Always consult a registered physician or orthopedic specialist before taking pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or anti-arthritic therapies.