DERIL ® - Alfacalcidol

DERIL ® is a drug based on Alfacalcidol

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Vitamin D

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications DERIL ® - Alfacalcidol

DERIL® is a drug used in the treatment of pathologies associated with vitamin D deficiency such as osteodystrophy due to renal failure, rickets and osteomalacia.

The use of this drug has also recently been extended to the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis.

Mechanism of action DERIL ® - Alfacalcidol

DERIL ® is a drug based on alpha calcidiol, a hydroxylated form of colecalciferol and therefore biologically active.

The important advantage that derives from the use of this drug is to be attributed both to the pharmacokinetic properties, characterized by a low half-life that allows to significantly reduce the side effects related to the accumulation of vitamin D, than to the possibility of bypassing the renal metabolism, given the presence of a biologically active compound that does not require renal hydroxylation.

Consequently, alfacalcidiol can interact with specific nuclear receptors by increasing the expression of proteins such as calcium biniding-protein at the level of the enterocyte and renal tubular cells, necessary to guarantee a better absorption of renal and intestinal calcium.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. SYNERGY BETWEEN ALPHACALCIDOL AND GREEN TEA POLYPHENOLS

Interesting experimental study that demonstrates how the association of alfacalcidol and polyphenols in green tea can be important in improving bone health in experimental models of chronic inflammation damage.

2. THE IMMUNOMODULATOR ROLE OF ALFACALCIDOLO

Innovative work that demonstrates how alfacalcidol can have an important immunomodulatory role in the control of the cytotoxic immune response that is observed during psoriatic arthritis.

3. THE ALFACALDOLO IN THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOPENIA

Study demonstrating the efficacy of alfacalcidol in the treatment of osteopenia in patients with bronchial asthma. The vitamin in question was also characterized by a modest analgesic power.

Method of use and dosage

DERIL ®

Soft capsules of 0.25 -1 mcg of alfacalcidol:

generally the therapeutic scheme envisaged for adults makes use of the administration of 1 mcg per day of alfacalcidol in the initial phase of the treatment, and of different dosages in the subsequent maintenance phase, calculated on the basis of the patient's blood calcium and phosphorus concentrations.

In any case, the entire therapeutic procedure should be supervised by your doctor.

The doses of DERIL vary considerably in the pediatric age.

Warnings DERIL ® - Alfacalcidol

The administration of DERIL ® should take place under medical supervision given the important effects of the drug on the metabolism of trace elements such as calcium and phosphates.

Consequently, the periodic monitoring of blood concentrations of the aforementioned elements is important in order to avoid the appearance of hypercalcaemia and associated imbalances.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The absence of studies concerning the safety profile of alfacalcidol on the fetus when taken during pregnancy also extends the contraindications to pregnancy and the subsequent breastfeeding period.

Interactions

The need for vitamin D, therefore the relative dose of alfacalcidol could increase following the simultaneous intake of antiepileptics and anticonvulsants such as barbiturates.

Attention should also be paid to the simultaneous use of drugs capable of modulating the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in order to avoid the appearance of electrolyte imbalances.

Contraindications DERIL ® - Alfacalcidol

DERIL ® is contraindicated in case of hypercalcemia or hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Although therapy with alfacalcidol is very well tolerated and has no clinically detected side effects, if set according to the guidelines and the actual needs of the patient, high dosages or a long-term administration may be responsible for nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, polyuria, sweating, headache, thirst, dizziness, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and hyperfostatemia with the relative complications.