Alfacalcidol
Alfacalcidol is a synthetic vitamin D analog used to treat conditions involving impaired calcium metabolism by converting to calcitriol in the liver.
A vitamin D analog used to treat calcium metabolism disorders by increasing calcium absorption and promoting bone health.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11CC03
- RxNorm
- 12062
- Generic
- Alfacalcidol
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1 microgram once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.05 micrograms per kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5 micrograms once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid unless benefits outweigh risks
use only if clearly needed, avoid high doses
regular fetal monitoring and maternal calcium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid unless benefits outweigh risks
use only if clearly needed, avoid high doses
regular fetal monitoring and maternal calcium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant serum calcium if used, consider infant supplementation
monitor maternal and infant calcium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment needed
standard dosing with regular monitoring of calcium and renal function
regular serum calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine monitoring
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
use under pediatric supervision, start with low dose
frequent serum calcium and phosphorus monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
chronic kidney diseaseinitiate with lower dose, titrate slowly
commonly used for renal osteodystrophy, monitor closely
frequent serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatemay require dose adjustment
use with caution, monitor calcium levels
regular serum calcium and liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution, consider alternative
avoid in severe hepatic impairment due to impaired activation
close monitoring of calcium and therapeutic response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information - ATC code A11CC02
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Treatment of hypocalcemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D-dependent rickets, and osteoporosis (in some cases). Particularly useful when standard vitamin D is insufficient or in patients with liver dysfunction.
Alfacalcidol is a prodrug that undergoes hepatic conversion to calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol then binds to vitamin D receptors, upregulating genes involved in calcium transport proteins in the intestines, thereby increasing calcium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Requires regular monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate levels due to risk of hypercalcemia. Dose titration is essential, especially in renal patients. Contraindicated in hypercalcemia, vitamin D toxicity, and severe renal impairment. May interact with thiazide diuretics, phosphate binders, and cardiac glycosides. Adequate calcium intake is typically recommended alongside therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy