Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate
About
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate belongs to the class of nutritional supplements used to treat low calcium and phosphate levels. Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate is also used to treat Vitamin D deficiency, renal osteodystrophy (changes in bone caused by kidney failure), hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid glands make high levels of calcium in the body), hypoparathyroidism (parathyroid glands make low levels of calcium in the body), hypocalcaemia (low levels of calcium), rickets or osteomalacia (softening or deformation of bones due to lack of calcium) and prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who cannot get sufficient calcium from their diet.
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate is a combination of two drugs, namely: Alfacalcidiol (a type of vitamin D) and Calcium carbonate (mineral). Alfacalcidol is a Vitamin D supplement that is activated by liver enzymes after intake. Alfacalcidol is further converted into the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) and works by strengthening the bones by increasing the calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Calcium and phosphate are the essential substances to form healthy bones and teeth. It raises Vitamin D levels and thereby increases calcium levels in the blood. Calcium carbonate is a mineral that is used to prevent or treat a calcium deficiency. It provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation.
Take Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate as advised by your doctor. In some cases, you may experience stomach pain, itching, rash, constipation, stomach upset or gas. Most of these side effects of Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate. Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor. Drive only if you are alert as Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate may cause dizziness. Do not take Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate if you have hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood) or calcification (high calcium levels in body tissues).
Uses of Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate
Medicinal Benefits
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate is a combination of two drugs, namely: Alfacalcidiol and Calcium carbonate used to treat or prevent calcium disorders. Alfacalcidol is a Vitamin D supplement that is activated by liver enzymes after intake. Alfacalcidol is further converted into the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) and works by strengthening the bones by increasing the calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Calcium and phosphate are the essential substances to form healthy bones and teeth. It raises Vitamin D levels and thereby increases calcium levels in the blood. Calcium carbonate is a mineral that is used to prevent or treat a calcium deficiency. It provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate
- Stomach pain
- Itching
- Rash
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
- Gas
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate. Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor. Drive only if you are alert as Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate may cause dizziness. Do not take Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate if you have hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood) or calcification (high calcium levels in body tissues). If you have vomiting, nausea, bone pain, muscle weakness, increased thirst or urination, constipation, tiredness or lack of energy, contact a doctor immediately as these might be signs of high calcium levels in the blood.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate may interact with antacids containing magnesium, medicines containing aluminium and calcium, heart-related drugs (digoxin), water pills (furosemide), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone), painkiller (aspirin), an antidepressant (duloxetine), iron supplement (ferrous sulfate) and thyroid drugs (levothyroxine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid spinach, rhubarb, bran, whole grains, soft drinks, caffeine and alcohol with Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate as they may reduce the absorption of calcium.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate if you have hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood) or calcification (high calcium levels in body tissues). If you have granulomas (small areas of inflammation), sarcoidosis, cancer, parathyroid gland disorder, kidney stones or any other kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate is given to pregnant women if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionAlfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate may cause dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy after taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate.
Liver
cautionTake Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionAlfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese, or milk-based custard in your diet.
- Eat daily a serving of broccoli, cabbage, bok choy (Chinese white cabbage), spinach, and other green leafy vegetables.
- Snack on calcium-rich nuts like Brazil nuts or almonds.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over your food, vegetables, and salads. Sesame seeds are high in calcium.
- Avoid or reduce the intake of caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol that inhibit calcium absorption.
- Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for extra calcium in your food.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate to monitor calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Renal Osteodystrophy: It is a bone disease that occurs when the kidneys fail to maintain the blood's calcium and phosphorus levels. It usually occurs in people with kidney diseases and patients undergoing dialysis treatment.
Hypocalcemia: It is a condition that is caused due to low levels of calcium in the blood. Hypocalcemia can be caused by a lack of vitamin D.
Osteomalacia/Rickets: Rickets is a bone disease caused by softening and weakening bones in children due to inadequate vitamin D. Adults can experience a similar condition known as osteomalacia. It causes bone pain, poor growth, and soft, weak bones that can lead to bone deformities.
Hypoparathyroidism: It is a disease characterized by low levels of parathyroid hormone. This can cause low calcium levels and trigger tetany (muscle cramps, spasms or tremors).
Hyperparathyroidism: It is a condition in which one or more of your parathyroid glands become overactive and release high parathyroid hormone levels. This condition leads to hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood).
FAQs
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate contains Alfacalcidol and Calcium carbonate. Alfacalcidol is converted into the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) and works by strengthening the bones by increasing the calcium and phosphate levels in the blood that are essential to forming healthy bones and teeth. It raises Vitamin D levels and thereby increases calcium levels in the blood. Calcium carbonate is a mineral that is used to prevent or treat a calcium deficiency. It provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation.
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate may be used to treat rickets or osteomalacia (softening and weakening of bones due to lack of calcium). Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate increases calcium levels in the body and helps in treating osteomalacia.
You are not recommended to take Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate with levothyroxine as co-administration of these two medicines at the same time may reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine. However, if you are supposed to take both the medicines, you are advised to maintain a time gap of a minimum of 4 hours between taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate and levothyroxine.
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate may cause kidney stones due to the accumulation of high levels of calcium when used for a prolonged time. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate if you have any kidney problems or a history of kidney stones.
You are recommended to avoid taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate if you have hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood) as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, please inform your doctor if you have hypercalcaemia before taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate.
