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Introduction About ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is a combination of Alfacalcidol and Calcium carbonate, which belongs to the group of medicines called dietary supplements. It is used in neonates, children, and adults to manage osteodystrophy (bone pain, joint pain, bone deformation, and fractures due to kidney disease or disturbances in calcium and phosphorus levels).

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is also used to manage disorders of the parathyroid glands (small glands found in your neck) that may increase or decrease the calcium in your blood (hyperparathyroidism), low levels of blood calcium in newborn babies, rickets or osteomalacia (softening and weakening of bones in children and adults due to a lack of adequate vitamin D), osteoporosis (bones become weak and brittle as we age, primarily in women), and osteopenia

While taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE, avoid foods rich in oxalic acid (ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (ex. bran), or phytic acid (ex. whole cereals) for two hours. ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is not recommended for use in patients with hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification, hyperphosphatemia (except when occurring with hypoparathyroidism), or hypermagnesemia.

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, including kidney stones. ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, mothers of premature babies, children, adolescents, and elderly patients. The common side effects of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE are diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, abdominal pain, skin rash, and itching. If any of these become worse, contact your doctor.

Uses Of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE

To manage the following diseases where the amount of calcium in your body needs changing in adults, children, and neonates:

Osteodystrophy
Hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism
Hypocalcaemia
Rickets or osteomalacia
Osteoporosis

How ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE Works

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE regulates blood calcium levels in the body, where Alfacalcidol converts into a vitamin D metabolite to stimulate intestinal calcium absorption, increase urinary calcium excretion, and suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, and calcium carbonate acts as a nutritional supplement to directly increase the body's calcium stores. All these actions together will increase the levels of calcium and phosphate in your body, which is useful in managing bone disorders and disturbances in the parathyroid glands.

How to use ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE

Take ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. The correct dose and duration for you will be decided by your doctor, depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

Side Effects Of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE

Common

diarrhea
constipation
stomach upset and abdominal pain
rash and itching

Uncommon

headache
nausea and vomiting
pain in the muscles
tiredness
deposits of calcium in the body
feeling weak or unwell

Rare

dizziness

Stop taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

signs of an allergic reaction (severe skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty)
signs of excess calcium or phosphate in your blood (feeling weak or having pain in your muscles or bones, passing urine more often, feeling thirsty, fatigue, sick, vomiting, constipation, or having lost your appetite, increased sweating, headache, confusion, and drowsiness)
signs of kidney problems (need to pass urine less often, swelling of any parts of your body, fever with a pain or sharp spasm in one side of your lower back)

How To Manage Side Effects

Constipation

Consume more fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals, in your diet, and drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly. If there is no improvement, consult your doctor.

Diarrhea

Drink more fluids, such as water, fruit juice, or coconut water, to keep yourself hydrated. If there is no improvement, consult your doctor.

Stomach Pain

Take a rest to relax. Try to eat and drink slowly or have smaller and more frequent meals. Place a heating pad on your stomach. If there is no improvement, consult your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Use with Caution

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution by pregnant women or women planning to have a baby. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.

Breastfeeding

Use with Caution

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy after taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE.

Kidney

Use with Caution

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used cautiously in patients with kidney problems, including kidney stones. Consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE if you are allergic to alfacalcidol or calcium carbonate.

Use In Pediatrics

Use with Caution

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution with premature babies, newborns, children, and adolescents. Consult your doctor for advice.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution with elderly patients. Consult your doctor for advice.

Others

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is not recommended for use if you:

have hypercalcaemia (high levels of calcium in your blood)
have metastatic calcification (high levels of calcium in your body tissues)
have hyperphosphatemia (except when it occurs with hypoparathyroidism)
have hypermagnesemia

Before taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you:

have granulomas or sarcoidosis

Interactions

A. Drug-Druginteractions:

Before taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

medicines used to clear fluid from the body (Ex. chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, and metolazone)
medicines used to manage epilepsy (Ex. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone)
rifampicin and isoniazid (medicines used to manage tuberculosis)
medicines used to suppress the immune system (Ex. cortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone)

B. Drug-Food interaction:

Avoid taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (Ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (Ex. bran), or phytic acid (Ex. whole cereals).

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose are nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, mental or mood changes, headache, weakness, and dizziness.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Alfacalcidol, Calcium Carbonate
Pharmacological Category	:	Vitamin D analogues, Minerals
Therapeutic Indication	:	Osteodystrophy, hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism, hypocalceamia, rickets or osteomalacia, osteoporosis
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet, Capsule

More Information

Keep ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE out of reach of children
Store at room temperature

FAQs About ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE

Q: What is the use of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE?

A: ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is used in the management of hypocalcaemia, rickets or osteomalacia, hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism, osteodystrophy, and osteoporosis to increase blood calcium. It also maintains the balance of calcium and phosphate metabolism in the body.

Q: Does ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE have vitamin D?

A: Yes, ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE contains alphacalcidiol, which is similar to fat-soluble vitamin D but produced artificially. It helps increase intestinal absorption of calcium and acts as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Q: What are the side effects of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE?

A: ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE may cause constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling thirsty, bone pain, stomach pain, frequent urination, and muscle weakness due to its effect on the blood calcium level. If any of these symptoms bother you, consult your doctor immediately.

Q: Is ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE good for health?

A: ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE contains vitamin D and calcium, which help strengthen bones and improve the overall quality of bones. Calcium is also required for the optimal functioning of muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. Hence, taking this medicine is good for your overall health.

Q: How do I take ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE?

A: Always take ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE as instructed by your doctor and continue to follow any advice about diet recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly because the symptoms may return.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Drugs affecting calcium balance. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page – 361, 362, 368.

2. Thawee Songpatanasilp, La-Or Chailurkit, Akekachai Nichachotsalid, Manoj Chantarasorn. Combination of alfacalcidol with calcium can improve quadriceps muscle strength in elderly ambulatory Thai women who have hypovitaminosis D: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. [Revised in September 2009] [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19894330/

3. LEO Pharma. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2022] [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12653.pdf

4. Biokirch GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2016] [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1295.pdf

5. CYNO Pharmaceuticals. Cecal -Plus. [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://www.cyno.co.in/cecal-plus/#:~:text=Calcium%20carbonate%20uses%20to%20reduces,in%20digestion%20and%20upset%20stomach

Useful Diagnostic Tests

Calcium
Vitamin D 1,25 Dihydroxy
Thyroid Profile-Total (T3,T4&Tsh)
Thyroid Profile-Free (Ft3, Ft4 & Tsh)
Extended Arthritis Care
Comprehensive Arthritis Care
Basic Bone Care
Advance Bone Care
Comprehensive Bone Care
Phosphorus-Inorganic, Serum
Basic Arthritis Care Plan
Bone Strength Package
Arthritis Profile-Basic
Arthritis Profile-Advanced

Author Details

Written By Dr. N. Sai Swaroop - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Jaya Prabakaran - MBBS, MD (Diabetology and Family Medicine)

Last updated on 03 Feb 2024 | 11:32 AM(IST)