One-Alpha (Alfacalcidol)

Alfacalcidol is a form of vitamin D. It is converted rapidly in the liver to the active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol).

Used for:
* Hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium level) in the neonate.
* Low parathyroid function (hypoparathyroidism)
* Over activity of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism)
* Softening of the bones when there is lack of Vitamin D in the body (osteomalacia)
* The correction of abnormalities of calcium and phosphate metabolism in renal osteodystrophy.

Side Effects

The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

* Thirst
* Sweating
* Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
* High blood calcium level (hypercalcaemia)
* High blood phosphate content (hyperphosphateaemia)
* Loss of appetite

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.