Alfacal Soft Capsule (Alfacalcidol)

Adult dose

Chronic renal failure and osteoporosis: Administer orally once a day at 0.5–1 µg as alfacalcidol. Hypoparathyroidism and other diseases due to vitamin D metabolism disorders: Administer orally once a day at 1–4 µg as this medication.

Child dose

Osteoporosis: Administer orally once a day at 0.01–0.03 µg per kg of body weight as alfacalcidol. Other conditions: Administer orally once a day at 0.05–0.1 µg per kg of body weight as this medication.

This medication should not be taken by patients with hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypermagnesemia, or by those whose serum calcium and phosphorus product exceeds a certain value, as well as by those whose blood is alkalotic. Additionally, it should be avoided in cases of vitamin D toxicity or if there is an allergy to this medication or its ingredients. During treatment, it is advisable not to take magnesium-rich products, other vitamin D preparations, calcium supplements, or certain diuretics. Patients are also recommended to avoid breastfeeding during treatment, particularly as safety in breastfeeding women has not been established. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should discuss with their doctor whether to take the medication due to potential effects on the fetus. Dosing adjustments and monitoring of serum calcium levels are necessary for children and elderly patients due to their differing physiological functions. Patients taking specific medications or with a history of kidney stones or sarcoidosis should consult a specialist before taking this medication. If severe side effects or abnormal symptoms occur during use, the medication should be stopped immediately and a doctor should be consulted, with regular blood tests and kidney function tests recommended. In cases of overdose, emergency measures such as inducing vomiting or gastric lavage may be necessary, and the medication should be discontinued until serum calcium levels return to normal. This medication should be stored out of the reach of children, away from direct sunlight, and in a cool, dry place. It is also important not to transfer the medication to another container to maintain its quality.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with high fever, blisters, skin peeling, pain in mucous membranes of the mouth/eyes, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, respiratory abnormalities accompanied by coughing and fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme lethargy, sudden and severe headache, thunderclap headache, seizures, confusion of consciousness, vision abnormalities, paralysis, urinary issues

Mild side effects

• Loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• stomach pain
• discomfort in the upper abdomen
• abdominal distension
• indigestion
• thirst

Drug interactions

This medication may interact with magnesium-containing preparations, vitamin D and its derivatives, calcium-containing preparations, thiazide diuretics, digitalis, resins like cholestyramine, mineral oil laxatives, phenytoin, glucocorticoids, cholestipol, estrogens (ethinyl estradiol, norethisterone), barbiturates, or antiepileptics. Patients taking this medication should consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

Food interactions

This medication may interact when taken with sucralfate or antacids that contain a large amount of aluminum.

This medication is sensitive to light and should be stored in a tightly sealed container that blocks light. It is best to maintain a storage temperature between 1°C and 30°C at room temperature.

Appearance

Light yellow transparent oily liquid inside a pale beige oval soft capsule

Package unit

90 capsules/box [10 capsules/PTP×9], 180 capsules/box [10 capsules/PTP×9×2]