Generic Alfacalcidol (Alfacalcidol)

Introduction

Alfacalcidol is a synthetic analogue of vitamin D 3 that is used to treat disorders of calcium and phosphate metabolism. The medication is supplied in capsule form, most commonly in strengths of .25 µg and .5 µg. It belongs to the vitamin D analog class and is indicated for conditions such as renal osteodystrophy, hypoparathyroidism, and certain forms of osteoporosis. In some regions it is also employed off-label for bone-protective strategies in chronic kidney disease or for skin-related disorders, although these uses are not formally approved by major regulatory agencies.

What is Alfacalcidol?

Alfacalcidol is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound Alfacalcidol. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. The drug is marketed under brand names such as Calcijex and Alfacalcidol-S in various countries. It is a synthetic 1-hydroxylated vitamin D3 derivative that bypasses the renal 1-α-hydroxylation step required for conversion of native vitamin D to its active form. The compound is manufactured by several pharmaceutical firms; the specific manufacturer of the generic capsules supplied by our pharmacy follows Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is licensed by national health authorities.

How Alfacalcidol Works

Alfacalcidol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and enters the systemic circulation unchanged. Because it already possesses a 1-α-hydroxyl group, hepatic metabolism converts it rapidly to calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3), the physiologically active hormone. Calcitriol binds to the intracellular vitamin D receptor (VDR) and regulates transcription of genes involved in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. The net effect is:

• Increased intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption - enhancing serum calcium concentrations.
• Reduced parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion - mitigating secondary hyperparathyroidism.
• Promotion of bone mineralization - by providing sufficient calcium and phosphate for hydroxyapatite formation.

The onset of measurable biochemical effect is usually observed within 48 hours, with steady-state concentrations achieved after several days of daily dosing. The metabolite is excreted primarily in the bile and, to a lesser extent, the urine; the elimination half-life of the active metabolite (calcitriol) is approximately 6-8 hours, allowing flexible once-daily dosing.

Conditions Treated with Alfacalcidol

• Renal Osteodystrophy (secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease) Alfacalcidol supplies active vitamin D without requiring renal 1-α-hydroxylation, correcting the deficient calcitriol levels that drive PTH overproduction and bone turnover.

• Hypoparathyroidism By enhancing calcium absorption, alfacalcidol reduces the need for high doses of oral calcium and stabilizes serum calcium in patients lacking adequate PTH.

• Osteoporosis secondary to chronic renal impairment The drug improves bone mineral density (BMD) when combined with phosphate binders and other CKD-specific measures.

• Adynamic bone disease (low-turnover bone disorder) - in selected patients where suppression of PTH is required to rebalance bone remodeling.

These indications are recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and various national health agencies. The therapeutic benefit derives from the drug’s ability to restore normal calcium-phosphate balance and to modulate PTH secretion.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Alfacalcidol

• Fracture prevention in post-menopausal women without chronic kidney disease Small randomized trials have reported modest improvements in BMD and a reduction in vertebral fracture risk when alfacalcidol is added to calcium supplementation. These findings are not sufficient for formal approval.

• Psoriasis vulgaris Pilot studies suggest that high-dose vitamin D analogues, including alfacalcidol, may reduce keratin proliferation. The evidence remains limited and safety data are scarce.

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse modulation Observational data indicate a possible immunomodulatory effect of vitamin D analogues on MS activity, but alfacalcidol has not been evaluated in large, controlled trials for this indication.

All off-label applications should only be undertaken under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, as they have not undergone the rigorous efficacy and safety evaluation required for regulatory approval.

Is Alfacalcidol the Right Medication for You?

Alfacalcidol is most appropriate for adults who:

• Have documented chronic kidney disease with secondary hyperparathyroidism or renal osteodystrophy.
• Suffer from hypoparathyroidism confirmed by low PTH and persistent hypocalcemia despite calcium supplementation.
• Require a vitamin D analogue that does not depend on renal activation, especially when renal insufficiency limits the effectiveness of native vitamin D.

Contraindications include:

• Hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia at baseline.
• Known hypersensitivity to alfacalcidol or any capsule excipients.
• Active granulomatous diseases (e.g., sarcoidosis) where dysregulated vitamin D metabolism can precipitate severe hypercalcemia.

Patients with severe hepatic impairment may experience altered conversion to calcitriol and should be monitored closely.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea or mild abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Transient increase in serum calcium (often asymptomatic)

Rare

• Hyperphosphatemia
• Muscle weakness related to electrolyte shifts
• Dermatologic rash (allergic type)

Serious

• Severe hypercalcemia - can cause polyuria, nephrolithiasis, cardiac arrhythmias, or mental status changes. Immediate medical attention is required.
• Calciphylaxis - a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by vascular calcification and skin necrosis, reported primarily in patients with advanced renal disease.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, or calcium-enriched phosphate binders - may potentiate hypercalcemia.
• Thiazide diuretics - increase calcium reabsorption, raising the risk of hypercalcemia.
• Corticosteroids - may reduce calcium absorption, potentially diminishing alfacalcidol efficacy.
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin) - accelerate vitamin D metabolism, possibly requiring dose adjustment.

Drug-Food Interactions

• High-calcium foods (dairy products, fortified juices) can accentuate the calcium-raising effect.
• Excessive magnesium-rich supplements may interfere with calcium balance, though clinical impact is modest.

Patients should inform their healthcare providers of all concomitant medications and supplements.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing (adult):

Capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably with a meal to improve absorption. Doses are titrated based on serum calcium, phosphate, and PTH measurements performed every 4-6 weeks during the initiation phase.

Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled dosing time is more than 12 hours away, take the missed capsule as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose.

Suspected overdose: Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, polyuria, and confusion due to hypercalcemia. Seek immediate medical care. Treatment typically involves intravenous hydration, calcitonin, and, in severe cases, bisphosphonates.

Practical precautions:

• Avoid concurrent high-dose calcium supplements unless directed.
• Do not consume alcohol in excess, as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal irritation.
• Operating heavy machinery is safe when the medication is well tolerated; however, severe hypercalcemia can cause fatigue or dizziness, so refrain if symptoms appear.

FAQ

• What is the appearance of the alfacalcidol capsules?   The generic capsules are opaque, size , and can be white (.25 µg) or light-yellow (.5 µg). Imprint details vary by manufacturer but are listed label.

• Can alfacalcidol be a high-protein diet?   A high-protein diet does not interfere with the absorption of alfacalcidol. However, excessive protein can increase urinary calcium excretion, so calcium levels should be monitored regularly.

• How should alfacalcidol be stored in a hot climate?   Capsules should be kept in a cool, dry place below 30 °C (86 °F). In regions with prolonged heat, storing the medication in a sealed container inside a refrigerator (2-8 °C) is acceptable, provided it is not frozen.

• Is alfacalcidol compatible with gluten-free diets?   The inactive ingredients in most generic formulations do not contain gluten. Nevertheless, patients with celiac disease should verify the specific excipient list provided by the pharmacy.

• Does traveling across time zones affect dosing?   For short trips, maintain the usual daily schedule. For longer travel that disrupts the circadian rhythm, aim to keep the interval between doses consistent (approximately 24 hours).

• Are there specific laboratory tests required before starting alfacalcidol?   Baseline serum calcium, phosphate, creatinine, and intact PTH are recommended. Vitamin D (25-hydroxy) levels are also useful to assess overall vitamin D status.

• Can alfacalcidol be crushed or opened for patients with swallowing difficulties?   The capsule should be swallowed whole. Crushing may alter the release profile and increase the risk of rapid absorption, potentially leading to hypercalcemia. An alternative liquid formulation should be consulted with a pharmacist.

• What is the difference between alfacalcidol and calcitriol?   Alfacalcidol is a pro-drug that requires hepatic 25-hydroxylation to become calcitriol, the active hormone. Calcitriol is the fully active form and does not need metabolic activation, making it suitable for patients with severe liver disease.

• Does alfacalcidol affect vitamin K status?   There is no direct interaction. However, both vitamins influence calcium metabolism, and combined supplementation should be balanced to avoid excessive vascular calcification.

• Is alfacalcidol detectable in standard drug-testing panels?   Alfacalcidol is not screened for in occupational or athletic drug-testing programs because it is a prescribed medical product, not a performance-enhancing substance.

• Can alfacalcidol be mailed internationally?   Yes, provided the destination country permits import of vitamin D analogues for personal use. Customs regulations vary, so patients should verify local laws before ordering.

Glossary

Vitamin D Receptor (VDR)

A nuclear hormone receptor that, when bound by calcitriol, regulates gene transcription involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

An excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone that occurs as a compensatory response to chronic hypocalcemia, often seen in chronic kidney disease.

Hypercalcemia

A condition characterized by abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause neurological, renal, and cardiovascular disturbances.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

A system that ensures pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards required by regulatory agencies.

Buying Alfacalcidol from Our Online Pharmacy

Alfacalcidol can be obtained through our online pharmacy, which specializes in delivering high-quality generic medicines to patients worldwide. By sourcing the product directly from licensed manufacturers, we keep prices close to the original cost of production, offering a more affordable option than many brand-name equivalents. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality verification, ensuring potency, purity, and compliance with international regulatory standards.

Discreet packaging and secure courier services protect patient privacy from the moment the order is placed until delivery at your doorstep. For most destinations, we provide a standard airmail service that typically arrives within 3 weeks, with an express option available for delivery in 7 days when faster access is needed. Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we can source medications not readily available in local pharmacies, giving patients a reliable alternative when conventional channels are limited.

Choosing our service means you benefit from:

• Competitive pricing that reduces out-of-pocket expenses.
• Verified product quality backed by GMP-certified manufacturers.
• Confidential handling that respects your personal health information.
• Global shipping that reaches remote or underserved locations.

Our aim is to make essential medicines like alfacalcidol more accessible, so you can maintain the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare team without unnecessary financial or logistical barriers.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Alfacalcidol is intended for general educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment choices, including any off-label applications, must be made under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be capable adults who can evaluate health information responsibly. Our online pharmacy supplies Alfacalcidol to individuals who may encounter limited access through conventional pharmacies or who seek cost-effective generic options. Always discuss any medication changes, initiation, or discontinuation with your clinician before acting.