What is the use of alfacalcidol?

Alfacalcidol is a vitamin D supplement used to treat deficiency in conditions including hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), rickets (bone weakness), and others. Ergocalciferol is a class of medication called vitamin D analogs. This works by helping the body to use more calcium in foods or supplements.

Is alfacalcidol a vitamin D?

Alfacalcidol is a vitamin D analogue used for the management of hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and osteodystrophy in patients with chronic renal failure, as well as some types of rickets and osteomalacia.

Can you take alfacalcidol when pregnant?

There is a limited amount of data from the use of alfacalcidol in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity at high doses. Therefore, One-Alpha is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of child-bearing potential not using contraception.

What is the difference between vitamin D3 and alfacalcidol?

The results indicate that (1) in OVX rats, alfacalcidol increases BMD and bone strength more effectively than vitamin D3 at given urinary and serum Ca levels: larger doses of vitamin D3 are required to pro- duce a similar BMD-increasing effect, in the face of hyper- calcemia and compromised bone quality; (2) at doses …

Which form of vitamin D is best?

The recommended form of vitamin D is vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. This is the natural form of vitamin D that your body makes from sunlight. Supplements are made from the fat of lambs’ wool. However, a clinical study reported in 2008 suggested that vitamin D2 works as well as vitamin D3.

When is the best time to take alfacalcidol?

You don’t have to take all your medication at breakfast time. You can split your alfacalcidol (and calcium tablets, if taking) over the day. Many people find this helps to prevent calcium levels swinging and keeps them much more stable. Calcium should always be taken with meals.

Does alfacalcidol increase vitamin D levels?

The results indicate that (1) in OVX rats, alfacalcidol increases BMD and bone strength more effectively than vitamin D(3) at given urinary and serum Ca levels: larger doses of vitamin D(3) are required to produce a similar BMD-increasing effect, in the face of hypercalcemia and compromised bone quality; (2) at doses …