COMPOSITION Alphadol Each soft gelatin capsule contains : Alfacalcidol BP. 0.25 mcg (1-hydroxyvitamin D3) Approved colours used in capsule shells. Alphadol-1 Each soft gelatin capsule contains : Alfacalcidol BP. 1mcg (1-hydroxyvitamin D3) Colours: Brilliant Blue & Tartrazine
PHARMACOLOGY Alfacalcidol is fat soluble and upto 100% absorption normally takes place. After absorption, alfacalcidol is rapidly hydroxylated at 2 position, predominantly in liver although the enzyme is widely distributed in body tissues.1 Alfacalcidol (1-hydroxyvitamin D3) undergoes rapid hepatic conversion to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which acts as a regulator of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Due to this rapid conversion, the therapeutic benefits of alfacalcidol are virtually the same as those of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. 2 The main effects are to increase circulating 1,25- dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels, and thereby to increase intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, promote bone mineralisation, regulate plasma parathyroid hormone levels as well as to decrease bone resorption, with relief of bone and muscle pain.