Alfacalcidol
Alfacalcidol is a form of vitamin D that is used in the treatment of certain conditions such as osteoporosis, renal osteodystrophy, and hypocalcemia. It is a vitamin D analog that is hydroxylated in the liver for systemic and in kidney tissues for local DHT conversion.
Pharmacology
Alfacalcidol is a prodrug of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. It is hydroxylated in the liver to form calcitriol, which is then able to bind to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the intestines, bones, and kidneys. This binding to the VDR allows for the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestines and kidneys, and also promotes the release of calcium from bone into the bloodstream.
Clinical Use
Alfacalcidol is used in the treatment of several conditions that affect the bones and calcium levels in the body. These include:
- Osteoporosis: Alfacalcidol is used to increase bone density and decrease the risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis.
- Renal Osteodystrophy: In patients with chronic kidney disease, alfacalcidol is used to prevent and treat renal osteodystrophy, a condition that causes bone abnormalities due to the kidneys' inability to maintain calcium and phosphate balance.
- Hypocalcemia: Alfacalcidol is used to increase calcium levels in patients with hypocalcemia, a condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood.
Side Effects
Like all medications, alfacalcidol can cause side effects. These may include:
- Hypercalcemia: High levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and confusion.
- Hyperphosphatemia: High levels of phosphate in the blood, which can cause symptoms such as joint pain and muscle cramps.
- Nephrocalcinosis: A condition characterized by the accumulation of calcium in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage.
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