Alfacalcidol
Alfacalcidol (1-hydroxyvitamin D3) is an active analogue of vitamin D. It is rapidly converted in the liver to calcitriol, the active metabolite of vitamin D, which acts as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Because it does not require activation by the kidneys, it is highly effective for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be carefully adjusted for each individual patient based on serum calcium levels. It is typically administered orally once daily. Serum calcium and phosphate levels must be monitored regularly during therapy to avoid hypercalcemia.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.05 to 0.1 mcg per kg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Highly specialized pediatric dosing. Use oral drops formulation for precise measurement. Requires strict monitoring of serum calcium.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Starting dose. Adjust dose cautiously based on periodic serum calcium and creatinine determinations.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 to 0.5 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Titrate dose carefully under pediatric endocrinologist or nephrologist supervision.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor calcium/phosphate product. Reduce dose immediately if hypercalcemia occurs.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 to 1.0 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Maintenance dose determined by clinical response and serum biochemistry profile.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.05 to 0.1 mcg per kg | Once daily | Highly specialized pediatric dosing. Use oral drops formulation for precise measurement. Requires strict monitoring of serum calcium. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.25 mcg | Once daily | Starting dose. Adjust dose cautiously based on periodic serum calcium and creatinine determinations. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.25 to 0.5 mcg | Once daily | Titrate dose carefully under pediatric endocrinologist or nephrologist supervision. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.5 mcg | Once daily | Monitor calcium/phosphate product. Reduce dose immediately if hypercalcemia occurs. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.5 to 1.0 mcg | Once daily | Maintenance dose determined by clinical response and serum biochemistry profile. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat disorders where calcium metabolism is disturbed due to impaired 1-alpha hydroxylation in the kidneys, including renal osteodystrophy, hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, nutritional and malabsorptive rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis.
Generic Name
AlfacalcidolBranded Drug Names
Alfacalcidol is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.