Alfacip (generic name: Alfacalcidol) is a form of vitamin D used to treat hypocalcemia (not enough calcium in the blood).

Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Alfacip is indicated in all conditions where there is a disturbance of calcium metabolism due to impaired 1-alpha hydroxylation such as when there is reduced kidney function. The main indications are:

Renal osteodystrophy
Hyperparathyroidism (with bone disease)
Hypoparathyroidism
Neonatal hypocalcaemia
Nutritional and malabsorptive rickets and osteomalacia
Pseudo-deficiency (D-dependent) rickets and osteomalacia
Hypophosphataemic vitamin D resistant rickets and osteomalacia
Osteoporosis

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Alfacip exactly as directed.

The usual starting dose for adults and children above 20 kg body weight is 1 mcg daily.

It is important to adjust dosage thereafter according to the biochemical responses and to avoid hypercalcaemia. Most adult patients respond to doses between 1 and 3 mcg per day.

When there is biochemical or radiographic evidence of bone healing, (and in hypoparathyroid patients when normal plasma calcium levels have been attained), the dose generally decreases. Maintenance doses are generally in the range of 0.25 to 1 microgram per day.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

Follow your doctor's recommendation regarding diet and calcium supplementation while taking Alfacip.

Store Alfacip at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

Precautions

Before taking Alfacip, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have hypercalcaemia;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: alfacalcidol.