Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate
About Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate is a medicine used to treat or prevent low calcium levels and manage certain conditions that weaken the bones. It contains alfacalcidol, a vitamin D-related medicine, and calcium carbonate, a source of calcium. Together, they help the body maintain healthy calcium levels and support bone strength.
Alfacalcidol is converted by the liver into an active form of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium from the gut. Calcium carbonate supplies the additional calcium needed for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves. Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate may be prescribed for conditions such as osteoporosis, hypocalcaemia (low calcium levels in the blood), hypoparathyroidism (a condition in which the parathyroid glands do not produce enough hormone to regulate calcium levels), or bone and mineral problems associated with chronic kidney disease.
Take Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Calcium carbonate is generally taken with food to improve absorption, but follow the instructions provided for your specific product. Swallow the medicine with water and do not take more than the recommended dose. Your doctor may arrange blood tests to monitor calcium, phosphate, kidney function, and other mineral levels during treatment. Do not take additional calcium or vitamin D supplements unless advised by your doctor.
Common side effects may include constipation, nausea, stomach discomfort, bloating, or wind. Taking too much calcium or alfacalcidol may cause high calcium levels in the blood. Contact your doctor if you develop persistent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, unusual thirst, frequent urination, muscle weakness, confusion, or severe tiredness. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Before taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, kidney stones, heart disease, high calcium or phosphate levels, or a condition that affects calcium or vitamin D levels. Do not take this medicine if you have high calcium levels in the blood unless specifically advised by your doctor. Also tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take, particularly water tablets (diuretics), digoxin, thyroid medicines, certain antibiotics, or other calcium- or vitamin D-containing products. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding, an older adult, or considering this medicine for a child, consult your doctor before use.
Uses of Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate
Medicinal Benefits
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate helps maintain healthy calcium levels and supports bone strength by combining alfacalcidol with calcium carbonate. Its main benefits include:
- Supports strong bones: Calcium carbonate provides calcium needed to maintain bone structure, while alfacalcidol helps the body absorb and use calcium effectively.
- Helps correct low calcium levels: Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate helps restore and maintain calcium levels when the body does not absorb enough calcium or has difficulty regulating it.
- Supports bone health in chronic kidney disease: Alfacalcidol helps manage problems with how the body regulates calcium and maintains healthy bones when the kidneys are not working properly. Regular blood tests are needed to guide treatment safely.
- Helps manage calcium imbalance in hypoparathyroidism: Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate supports calcium balance when the parathyroid glands do not produce enough hormone to regulate calcium levels.
Directions for Use
- Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate can be taken with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Constipation
- Upset stomach or mild nausea
- Gas or bloating
- Dry mouth
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of high calcium levels, such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, confusion, or severe tiredness
- Severe vomiting, stomach pain, or persistent loss of appetite
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Drug Warnings
- Monitor your blood levels: Attend all scheduled doctor appointments and lab visits, as your doctor will need to run regular blood and urine tests to monitor your calcium and kidney function.
- Watch for signs of high calcium: Be vigilant for symptoms of too much calcium in your body, such as an unusual metallic taste in the mouth, muscle pain, or extreme fatigue, and report them to your doctor.
- Check other supplements: Carefully read the labels of any over-the-counter vitamins, antacids, or supplements you take to ensure you are not accidentally taking extra calcium or vitamin D.
- Report kidney issues: Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you experience changes in your urination patterns or signs of kidney stones, like sharp pain in your back or side.
Drug Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics (water pills): Taking these with Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate can increase the risk of having too much calcium in your blood.
- Certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones): Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate can reduce the absorption of these medicines. Take your antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate.
- Thyroid medications (like levothyroxine) and iron supplements: Calcium can prevent these drugs from being fully absorbed. Separate their intake by at least 4 hours.
- Cardiac glycosides (like digoxin): High calcium levels can increase the risk of heart rhythm issues caused by these heart medicines.
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
- Eat calcium-rich foods: Include dairy products, leafy greens, broccoli, tofu, and calcium-fortified foods in your daily meals to complement your supplement.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your kidneys and lower the risk of developing kidney stones while taking calcium.
- Limit caffeine and sodium: High amounts of salt and caffeine can increase the amount of calcium your body loses through urine, so use them in moderation.
- Engage in weight-bearing exercise: Activities like walking, jogging, or light strength training help stimulate bone cells and build stronger bones alongside your medication.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol intake interfere with how your body absorbs calcium and can accelerate bone loss.
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 is used to treat low calcium and phosphate levels. It 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), rickets or osteomalacia (softening or deformation of bones due to lack of calcium).
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.
Vitamin D can be found in various food sources, including mushrooms, particularly shiitake and portobello, and fortified plant-based milk like soy and almond milk. Fortified cereals and vegetarian vitamin D-fortified yoghurt are also good sources. Additionally, sun-dried mushrooms and orange juice fortified with vitamin D can contribute to your daily intake. Some brands of tofu and other soy products may also contain vitamin D. Naturally rich sources include cod liver oil and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. However, it's essential to check nutrition labels to confirm the presence of vitamin D in these foods.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps maintain overall health. It keeps bones and teeth healthy by helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. It also supports the immune system, helps to regulate mood, and contributes to heart health.
The common side effects of Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate are 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.
It is highly recommended to take Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate with or immediately after a meal. Food helps your body absorb the calcium more effectively and reduces the likelihood of experiencing an upset stomach. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your specific dosing schedule.
Constipation is a common side effect of calcium-based supplements. You can manage this by drinking plenty of water, eating high-fibre foods, and staying physically active. If the constipation is severe or persistent, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking laxatives.
If you have a history of kidney stones, you must use Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate with caution. Your doctor will need to monitor your calcium levels and kidney function closely. Talk to your doctor before starting this supplement to ensure it is safe for you.
Pregnant women have specific calcium and vitamin D requirements, but taking too much can be harmful to the developing baby. You should only use Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate during pregnancy if it is specifically prescribed by your healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor to determine the safest approach.
Signs of high calcium (hypercalcaemia) include extreme thirst, frequent urination, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, and confusion. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate already contains an active form of Vitamin D (alfacalcidol). Taking additional Vitamin D supplements without medical supervision can lead to a dangerous buildup of calcium in your body. Talk to your doctor before combining any supplements.
It is best to limit your alcohol consumption while taking Alfacalcidol+calcium Carbonate. Alcohol can interfere with your body's ability to absorb calcium and can also weaken your bones over time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
