Calcium+alfacalcidol
About
Calcium+alfacalcidol belongs to the class of nutritional supplements used to treat low blood calcium levels in people who cannot get sufficient calcium from their diet. Calcium+alfacalcidol is also used to treat Vitamin D deficiency, renal osteodystrophy (changes in bone caused by kidney failure), 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).
Calcium+alfacalcidol is a combination of two drugs, namely: Calcium (mineral) and Alfacalcidol (a type of vitamin D). Calcium provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation. 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. 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.
Take Calcium+alfacalcidol 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 Calcium+alfacalcidol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your physician.
Avoid taking Calcium+alfacalcidol if allergic to it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using Calcium+alfacalcidol. Calcium+alfacalcidol should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a pediatrician. Drive only if you are alert as Calcium+alfacalcidol may cause dizziness. Do not take Calcium+alfacalcidol if you have hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood) or calcification (high levels of calcium in the body tissues).
Uses of Calcium+alfacalcidol
Medicinal Benefits
Calcium+alfacalcidol is a combination of two drugs, namely: Calcium and Alfacalcidol. It is used to treat or prevent calcium disorders. Calcium is a mineral that is used to prevent or treat a calcium deficiency. It provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation. 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Calcium+alfacalcidol
- Stomach pain
- Itching
- Rash
- Gas
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid taking Calcium+alfacalcidol if allergic to it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a physician before using Calcium+alfacalcidol. Calcium+alfacalcidol should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a pediatrician. Drive only if you are alert as Calcium+alfacalcidol may cause dizziness. Do not take Calcium+alfacalcidol if you have hypercalcaemia (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 physician immediately as these might be signs of high calcium levels in the blood.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Calcium+alfacalcidol may interact with antacids containing magnesium, 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 Calcium+alfacalcidol as they may reduce the absorption of calcium.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Calcium+alfacalcidol if you have hypercalcaemia (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 physician before taking Calcium+alfacalcidol.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Calcium+alfacalcidol is unknown. Please consult a physician before consuming alcohol with Calcium+alfacalcidol.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Calcium+alfacalcidol is given to pregnant women if the physician thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Calcium+alfacalcidol is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a physician if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionCalcium+alfacalcidol may cause dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy after taking Calcium+alfacalcidol.
Liver
cautionTake Calcium+alfacalcidol with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your physician as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Calcium+alfacalcidol with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your physician as required.
Children
cautionCalcium+alfacalcidol should be used in children only if recommended by a pediatrician.
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.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds over your food, vegetables, and salads. Sesame seeds are high in calcium.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Calcium+alfacalcidol to monitor calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.
- In case you miss a dose of Calcium+alfacalcidol, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is too close to the next dose, revert to the original schedule.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Renal Osteodystrophy: It is a bone disease that occurs when the kidneys fail to maintain the blood calcium and phosphorus levels. It usually occurs in people with kidney diseases and patients undergoing dialysis treatment.
Hypocalcaemia: It is a condition that is caused due to low levels of calcium in the blood. Hypocalcaemia 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).
FAQs
Calcium+alfacalcidol contains Calcium and Alfacalcidol. Calcium provides essential nutrients to maintain bone formation. Alfacalcidol 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+alfacalcidol may be used to treat rickets or osteomalacia (softening and weakening of bones due to lack of calcium). Calcium+alfacalcidol increases calcium levels in the body and helps in treating osteomalacia.
You are not recommended to take Calcium+alfacalcidol 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 medicines, you are advised to maintain a time gap of a minimum of 4 hours between taking Calcium+alfacalcidol and levothyroxine.
Calcium+alfacalcidol may cause kidney stones due to the accumulation of high levels of calcium when used for a prolonged time. Therefore, please consult a physician before taking Calcium+alfacalcidol if you have any kidney problems or a history of kidney stones.
You are recommended to avoid taking Calcium+alfacalcidol if you have hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood) as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, please inform your physician if you have hypercalcaemia before taking Calcium+alfacalcidol.
