What is the medicine "Alfadol-Ca" ("Alfadol Calcium")? Instructions for use, price, analogues and indications for the purpose of this drug will be discussed below.
Basic composition, packaging, description and form
The drug "Alfadol Calcium", the instruction for use of which is contained in a pack of cardboard, is available in the form of soft gelatin capsules. Their main components are alfacalcidol and calcium, which is presented in the form of calcium carbonate and made from oyster shells.
The medication in question goes on sale in contour cells, which are packed in paper boxes.
Pharmacodynamics of the drug
The drug "Alfadol Calcium" (instructions for use, the price of this medication will be discussed below) is a combination agent that regulates the exchange of phosphorus and calcium. Taking this medication helps make up for the lack of vitamin D3 and calcium in the human body.
Alfadol Calcium is intended to increase the concentration of 1,25-hydroxycolcalcalciferol in the bloodstream. Due to this, the absorption of not only calcium but also phosphate in the human body is enhanced, and mineralization is improved and bone resorption is reduced. In addition, while taking this drug in patients, the content of parathyroid hormone in the blood normalizes, bone and muscle pains are eliminated.
Features of the drug
What is remarkable about a medicine like Alfadol-Ca? Its active substance takes part in the process of blood coagulation, bone formation, transmission of nerve impulses, as well as in the reduction of skeletal muscles and the regulation of heart function.
It should be noted that the medication under consideration contributes to enhanced absorption of calcium from the digestive tract, and also improves the patient's condition with osteoporosis.
Kinetics of calcium
The absorption of the drug "Alfadol-Ca" is high. Its highest concentration in the bloodstream is observed after 9-18 hours. It is associated with specific alpha globulins, and is also metabolized in the liver to form an active metabolite such as calcitriol. A small portion of this agent is metabolized in bone tissue.
Vitamin D3 contained in this drug does not affect the functioning of the kidneys. This allows you to assign it to people with kidney failure.
A medication is removed with bile and through the kidneys in the same amount.
Indications for calcium intake
What diseases do Alfadol-Ca use for (Alfadol Calcium)? Reviews of experts claim that this tool is very often prescribed for:
- renal osteodystrophy;
- osteoporosis (menopausal, senile, steroid, idiopathic and others), as well as its complications (including bone fractures);
- hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism (with bone damage);
- chronic renal failure.
Contraindications to the use of calcium-containing drug
In what cases is it forbidden to use the drug "Alfadol-Ca" ("Alfadol Calcium")? The instruction warns that it can not be assigned if there are the following ailments:
- urolithiasis (i.e. the formation of calcium stones);
- hypersensitivity of the patient to vitamin D3;
- hyperphosphatemia (except in those cases when it develops against the background of hypoparathyroidism);
- elevated levels of calcium in the blood;
- increased work of the parathyroid glands, vitamin D hypervitaminosis, bone metastases of tumors, osteochondrosis);
- hypermagnesemia;
- intolerance to soy or peanuts;
- Zollinger syndrome;
- minor age.
With caution, this remedy should be taken by people who suffer from kidney failure, as well as those who are on hemodialysis. With prolonged treatment, the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys must be checked every few weeks.
The drug "Alfadol-Ca" ("Alfadol Calcium"): instructions for use
The price of the tool in question is quite high. We will present it below.
The dosage of this drug is selected depending on the indications.
With osteoporosis, the medication is prescribed in the amount of 1-2 capsules per day.
In case of hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism, which are accompanied by bone damage, Alfadol-Ca should be used 1-2 capsules per day.
With osteodystrophy, as well as chronic renal failure, this drug is recommended to take 2 capsules per day.
The duration of treatment with this medicine is determined by the doctor.
Side effects
What adverse reactions can cause the use of Alfadol-Ca (Alfadol Calcium)? The instruction states that during treatment with this agent, patients may experience interruptions in the activity of some systems:
- Digestive tract: diarrhea or constipation.
- Metabolic processes: hypercalcemia. In people with severe renal impairment, hyperphosphatemia may occur.
- Urinary system: nephrocalcinosis.
- Allergy: rash, itching, urticaria.
Overdose
Hypercalcemia, which developed during the administration of high doses of the drug, is manifested by malaise, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorders, abdominal pain, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, itching.
With the development of such symptoms, you should immediately stop taking the medicine.
The severe course of hypercalcemia requires supportive therapeutic measures with the introduction of salt infusion solutions, and in some cases, the appointment of corticosteroids and diuretics.
In case of acute overdose, preliminary treatment of the patient should be carried out by washing the stomach or introducing mineral oil. Such actions help to reduce absorption and increase the excretion of the drug through the intestines.
Interaction
Hypercalcemia in people taking cardiac glycosides increases cardiac arrhythmia, so their combined use should be avoided.
Patients who are regularly receiving anticonvulsants and barbiturates need to increase the dose of Alfadol-Ca to achieve the desired result.
The absorption of this drug can be disrupted by the parallel intake of mineral oils (especially with prolonged use), as well as colestipol, colestyramine, sucralfate and large quantities of aluminum-containing antacids.
With the simultaneous use of the drug in question with laxatives, antacids, medicines containing magnesium, as well as in people on hemodialysis, it is necessary to take into account the possible development of hypermagnesemia.
The drug "Alfadol-Ca" ("Alfadol Calcium"): analogues and cost
You can replace this drug with drugs such as Oksidevi, Alpha D3-Teva, Alfacalcidol, Alfadol, Tevabon, Van Alfa and others.
You can buy the mentioned tool in capsules for 380-450 rubles.
Reviews about the tool
According to experts, this drug enhances the intestinal absorption of phosphate and calcium. In patients with renal failure, the concentration of these elements should be regularly monitored. It is also required to monitor the concentrations of phosphate, calcium, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine.
As for the patients, they argue that Alfadol-Ca does its job well. However, it should be noted that often they have such side effects as hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria. Such conditions are quite easily eliminated by canceling the medicine.
Also, the disadvantages of the said drug include its high cost and the inability to use it for people with urolithiasis and in childhood.