📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Renal osteodystrophy, hyperparathyroidism with bone disease, rickets & osteomalacia:*
Adult: 1-2 tab daily. Elderly: 1 tab daily
*Osteoporosis:*
Adul: 0.5-1 mcg alfacalcidol daily with or without calcium.
Children: Not recommended.
⛔ Contraindications
: Hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia(except when occurring with hypoparathyroidism) or hypermagnesaemia, renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, concomitant digoxin therapy.
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Renal failure, hypercalciuria, periodic & regular monitoring of Ca, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, Mg & creatinine levels.
🔄 Drug Interactions
Digitalis glycosides, barbiturates/enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants, drugs affecting intestinalabsorption e.g. mineral oil,cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate, aluminium based antacids; magnesium based antacidsor laxatives, thiazides, vit D & derivatives, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin.
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, systemic alkalosis, constipation.
🤰 Pregnancy & Lactation Safety
Pregnancy Risk:
Caution advised
Lactation / Breastfeeding:
Caution advised
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.