Introduction About ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is also used to manage disorders of the parathyroid glands (small glands found in your neck) that may increase or decrease the calcium in your blood (hyperparathyroidism), low levels of blood calcium in newborn babies, rickets or osteomalacia (softening and weakening of bones in children and adults due to a lack of adequate vitamin D), osteoporosis (bones become weak and brittle as we age, primarily in women), and osteopenia

While taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE, avoid foods rich in oxalic acid (ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (ex. bran), or phytic acid (ex. whole cereals) for two hours. ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is not recommended for use in patients with hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification, hyperphosphatemia (except when occurring with hypoparathyroidism), or hypermagnesemia.

ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, including kidney stones. ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE should be used with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, mothers of premature babies, children, adolescents, and elderly patients. The common side effects of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE are diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, abdominal pain, skin rash, and itching. If any of these become worse, contact your doctor.

• Osteodystrophy
• Hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism
• Hypocalcaemia
• Rickets or osteomalacia
• Osteoporosis

Before taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• medicines used to clear fluid from the body (Ex. chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, and metolazone)
• medicines used to manage epilepsy (Ex. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone)
• rifampicin and isoniazid (medicines used to manage tuberculosis)
• medicines used to suppress the immune system (Ex. cortisone, prednisone, and prednisolone)

B. Drug-Food interaction:

Avoid taking ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE within 2 hours of eating foods rich in oxalic acid (Ex. spinach and rhubarb), phosphate (Ex. bran), or phytic acid (Ex. whole cereals).

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of an overdose are nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, mental or mood changes, headache, weakness, and dizziness.

A: ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE is used in the management of hypocalcaemia, rickets or osteomalacia, hypophosphatemia, hypoparathyroidism, osteodystrophy, and osteoporosis to increase blood calcium. It also maintains the balance of calcium and phosphate metabolism in the body.

Q: Does ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE have vitamin D?

A: Yes, ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE contains alphacalcidiol, which is similar to fat-soluble vitamin D but produced artificially. It helps increase intestinal absorption of calcium and acts as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Q: What are the side effects of ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE?

A: ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE may cause constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling thirsty, bone pain, stomach pain, frequent urination, and muscle weakness due to its effect on the blood calcium level. If any of these symptoms bother you, consult your doctor immediately.

Q: Is ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE good for health?

A: ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE contains vitamin D and calcium, which help strengthen bones and improve the overall quality of bones. Calcium is also required for the optimal functioning of muscles, the nervous system, and the heart. Hence, taking this medicine is good for your overall health.

Q: How do I take ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE?

A: Always take ALFACAL PLUS CAPSULE as instructed by your doctor and continue to follow any advice about diet recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly because the symptoms may return.

2. Thawee Songpatanasilp, La-Or Chailurkit, Akekachai Nichachotsalid, Manoj Chantarasorn. Combination of alfacalcidol with calcium can improve quadriceps muscle strength in elderly ambulatory Thai women who have hypovitaminosis D: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand. [Revised in September 2009] [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19894330/

3. LEO Pharma. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in February 2022] [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12653.pdf

4. Biokirch GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2016] [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1295.pdf

5. CYNO Pharmaceuticals. Cecal -Plus. [Accessed on 31st January 2024] https://www.cyno.co.in/cecal-plus/#:~:text=Calcium%20carbonate%20uses%20to%20reduces,in%20digestion%20and%20upset%20stomach