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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Bayyarapu Mahesh Kumar , M Pharmacy
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More about the Product

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is an oral medicine prescribed to help regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body, which are vital for maintaining strong, healthy bones. It is commonly used to treat bone diseases in people with kidney problems, bone thinning, or gland disorders. By supporting proper bone mineralization, this medication helps prevent painful bone complications and fractures.

To get the most benefit, you should take Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule consistently at the same time every day, exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. This oral medicine can be taken with or without food, swallowed whole with a glass of water. Adopting a balanced diet with a steady intake of calcium and participating in gentle, doctor-approved weight-bearing exercises will further support your bone health.

While taking this medication, some people may experience mild side effects like headache, skin rash, or minor stomach discomfort. However, you must contact your doctor immediately if you face specific serious side effects, particularly signs of high calcium levels such as persistent nausea, vomiting, severe constipation, or extreme thirst.

Do not take this if you already have high levels of calcium or phosphate in your blood, or if you have a known sensitivity to Vitamin D products. Before starting this medicine, talk to your doctor if you have a history of kidney stones, liver disease, or heart conditions, as your treatment may require careful monitoring.

Certain medicines, alcohol, and lifestyle habits can interact with Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule , potentially altering its effects or increasing the risk of high calcium levels. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an elderly individual, consult your doctor before using this medicine to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs.

Uses of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is used in the treatment of low blood calcium and phosphate levels. It is effective in managing the following conditions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency diseases (rickets and osteomalacia): Corrects soft or weak bones caused by a lack of active Vitamin D, promoting proper bone hardening and growth.
  • Underactive parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism): Boosts blood calcium levels when the body's natural parathyroid hormone levels are too low.
  • Bone thinning (osteoporosis): Strengthens weak, fragile bones to lower the risk of painful fractures, especially in postmenopausal women or those taking steroid medications.
  • Kidney-related bone disease (renal osteodystrophy): Helps maintain healthy bone structure in people with chronic kidney failure by regulating mineral levels in the blood.

Key Benefits

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule helps support healthy bones by improving the body's ability to use calcium effectively. It helps maintain bone strength and mineral balance, promoting better mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. Benefits may include:

  • Helps improve bone strength and supports healthy bone development.
  • Reduces the risk of weak bones and fractures.
  • Helps maintain healthy calcium and phosphate levels in the body.
  • Supports bone health in people with impaired kidney function.
  • May help reduce bone pain and discomfort associated with mineral imbalances.
  • Promotes better mobility, stability, and long-term skeletal health.
Side effects of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule
  • Drink water or other clear fluids.
  • To prevent worsening of pain, limit intake of tea, coffee, or alcohol.
  • Include bland foods like rice, toast, crackers, and rice in your diet.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating as it may cause indigestion or heartburn.
  • Avoid acidic and spicy food as it may cause indigestion.

Directions for Use

Always follow your doctor's exact instructions. When taking this oral medication, keep the following steps in mind:

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.
  • Take this medicine at the same time each day to help keep a steady level of the active substance in your body.
  • You can take it either with or without food, but be consistent with whichever method you choose.
  • Never change your dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your healthcare provider first.

How Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule Works

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule acts as a specialized form of Vitamin D. Normally, the body relies on the kidneys to convert standard dietary Vitamin D into its active form. However, in people with kidney or metabolic conditions, this conversion process is impaired, leading to weak bones and low blood calcium levels. It is absorbed through your digestive system and travels directly to your liver. In the liver, it is rapidly converted into the active form of Vitamin D. This active compound then helps your gut absorb more calcium and phosphate from your diet. It also directs your bones to use these essential minerals correctly, keeping them dense, hard, and structurally sound.
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Alcohol

Caution

Drinking alcohol can affect calcium absorption; hence, it is advised to limit alcohol intake while using Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule .

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Pregnancy

Caution

During pregnancy, use higher doses of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule than the daily dietary allowance only when advised by the doctor. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before recommending Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule .

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Breast Feeding

Caution

Consult your doctor before taking Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule if you are breastfeeding. Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule can be passed into breast milk. If Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is used during breastfeeding, please monitor the serum calcium levels of the mother and the infant.

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Driving

Caution

If you experience any dizziness while using Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule , do not drive or operate machinery. Please consult your doctor if you experience any dizziness.

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Liver

Caution

Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver disease before taking Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule . Hepatic impairment or liver disease can alter the metabolic and therapeutic activity of certain forms of Vitamin D.

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Kidney

Caution

It is advised to seek a doctor's advice before starting Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule if you have kidney diseases like kidney stones or are undergoing dialysis.

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Children

Consult your doctor

The doctor will decide the dosage of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule based on the child's age and weight.

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Heart

Caution

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule should be taken with caution in patients with heart disease. Please consult your physician.

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Geriatrics

Safe if prescribed

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule can be safely given in elderly patients if recommended by the physician.

What if I have taken an overdose of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Taking too much of this medicine can cause dangerously high calcium levels. Watch for symptoms such as extreme weakness, vomiting, severe headache, confusion, or intense stomach pain, and contact emergency medical services right away.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Maintain consistent calcium intake: Keep your dietary calcium intake steady, as sudden increases or decreases in dairy products or calcium-fortified foods can affect your blood calcium levels.
  • Stay well hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help protect your kidneys and reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
  • Avoid unnecessary supplements: Do not take over-the-counter calcium supplements or multivitamins containing Vitamin D unless specifically recommended by your doctor.
  • Engage in weight-bearing activities: Participate in safe exercises such as walking or light stretching to help support bone strength, but consult your doctor before starting any new fitness program.

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

  • The time required for Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule to start to work: The time required for Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule to show its action is not clinically established.
  • The time for which the effects of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule last: The duration of action for Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is not clinically established.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. • Keep out of sight and reach of children. • Non cold chain - To be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

What if you forget to take Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule

If you miss a dose of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule , take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you frequently miss doses.

Drug Warnings

  • Attend all monitoring appointments: Keep all scheduled blood and urine test appointments so your doctor can regularly check your calcium, phosphate, and kidney function and ensure your dose remains safe and effective.
  • Inform healthcare providers about your treatment: Tell your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare professionals that you are taking Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule before starting new medicines or undergoing any medical or dental procedure.
  • Change positions slowly: Rise gradually from a sitting or lying position, especially when starting treatment, as some people may experience mild dizziness.
  • Check over-the-counter products carefully: Read product labels before using antacids or supplements, as some may contain high amounts of calcium or magnesium that can interact with Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule .

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Thiazide diuretics (water pills): May increase the risk of dangerously high blood calcium levels when combined with Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule .
  • Cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin): High calcium levels caused by Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule can increase the risk of serious, irregular heartbeats while using these heart medications.
  • Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine): May reduce the effectiveness of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule , requiring your doctor to consider gradually increasing your dose.
  • Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine): Can interfere with the absorption of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule , meaning they should be taken several hours apart.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • High-calcium foods: Consuming excessive amounts of dairy or calcium-fortified foods without medical supervision can lead to elevated blood calcium levels.

Drug-Disease Interactions

  • Hypercalcemia: Do not take this medication if you currently have high levels of calcium in your blood, as it will worsen the condition.
  • Kidney stones: Use with caution, as elevated calcium levels can increase the risk of developing mineral deposits in the kidneys.
  • Severe liver damage: Because Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule relies on liver enzymes for conversion to its active form, severe liver disease may reduce its effectiveness.
No Drug - Drug interactions found in our data. We may lack specific data on this medicine and are actively working to update our database. Consult your doctor for personalized advice

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[VITAMIN D ANALOGS]

FAQs

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is used to treat low blood calcium and phosphate levels. It effectively treats 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), and rickets or osteomalacia (softening or deforming of bones due to lack of calcium).

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is a dietary supplement that treats low levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood. It consists of Alfacalcidol, an analogue of Vitamin D. When you do not get enough Vitamin D from food sources and sunlight exposure, Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule helps balance those low levels.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage.

Milk is considered to be the best source of calcium. You can take Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule with milk.

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule can cause kidney stones due to excessive calcium deposition when used for an extended period. Please consult your doctor before taking Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule as a daily supplement if you have any kidney problems or a history of kidney stones.

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is used to increase low levels of calcium in the body. Hence, it is not advised to use Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule during hypercalcaemia, since it causes the overdose of calcium, leading to kidney stones and other effects.

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule should be used with caution if you have hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels), hypervitaminosis D (high vitamin D levels), malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food), heart/kidney/liver/blood vessel diseases, diabetes, phenylketonuria, and kidney stones. Please consult your doctor before starting Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule if you have any history of these diseases.

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule may increase the absorption of Aluminium in antacids. Hence, it is advised to take Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule two hours before, or four hours after taking antacids.

Yes, Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule is frequently prescribed for kidney disease patients because it bypasses the kidneys and is activated in the liver. However, your doctor will need to monitor your mineral levels closely. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.

While the medicine is absorbed quickly, it may take several weeks of consistent use and routine blood tests to determine if your calcium levels are fully balanced. Talk to your doctor to understand your progress.

You should not take calcium supplements or multivitamins containing Vitamin D unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so, as this can cause high calcium levels. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.

Signs of high calcium include nausea, vomiting, constipation, extreme thirst, frequent urination, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

While there is no direct chemical interaction, alcohol can negatively affect your bone health and kidney function over time, potentially reducing the benefits of your therapy. Talk to your doctor about safe limits.

Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule should only be used during pregnancy if the clinical benefits outweigh the potential risks and under strict medical supervision. Talk to your doctor to discuss your options.

You can take this oral medicine either with or without food. The key is to take it at the same time every day to maintain steady levels in your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Weight gain is not a medically recognized or common side effect of Alfacal 0.25 mcg Capsule . If you experience sudden changes in weight, it may be due to other medical factors. Talk to your doctor for an evaluation.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Atlanta Arcade, Marol Church Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400059, INDIA.
Other Info - ALF0002
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