Ethala is a medicinal product that takes part in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. It is produced by the pharmaceutical company from Denmark "Leo Pharmaceutical Products".
The drug is available in 3 dosage forms: capsules, drops for internal use and injection solution. Capsules in turn are produced in two types:
- with a content of 0.25 μg of alfacalcidol;
- containing 1 μg of alfacalcidol.
In drops and solutions, alfacalcidol is also included as a major component.
Capsules, intravenous solution and droplets for internal use also contain the necessary auxiliary components.
Contents of the article
- Pharmacological action and its mechanism
- Pharmacokinetics of the
- Medication for use
- When is the drug contraindicated?
- Instruction for use
- Dosing for adults
- Dosage for children
- Cases of overdose
- Side effect
- Special patients and directions
- Interaction with other drugs
- Is the view
- Opinion of doctors
- Thoughts of ordinary people
- Tips and tips
- Pros and cons -
- How to replace a medicine?
Pharmacological action and its mechanism
The active substance of the drug is alfacalcidol. It refers to synthetic vitamin preparations that are involved in the regulation of
. The formula of alfacalcidol
is calcium phosphate metabolism. The drug replenishes the vitamin D3 deficiency in the body.
The drug increases the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the small intestine, due to which there is an increase in their content in the blood.
There is also an increase in the reabsorption of calcium in the renal tubules. Alfacalcidol reduces osteomalacia and promotes the mineralization of bone tissue. Under the action of the drug, the concentration of parathyroid hormone in the blood decreases.
Pharmacokinetics of
Because of the fat solubility of alfacalcidol, the bioavailability of the drug is almost 100%.Metabolism occurs in the liver in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.
The maximum content of the metabolite in the blood is reached 8-10 hours after application. Half-life is 35 hours.
Indications for use
Ethalpha may be prescribed for the treatment of any diseases caused by a violation of calcium phosphate metabolism, namely:
- of osteoporosis;
- pseudohypoparathyroidism;
- of renal osteodystrophy;
- idiopathic hypoparathyroidism;
- of postoperative hypoparathyroidism;
- osteomalacia;
- vitamin D-dependent rickets;
- of hyperparathyroidism with bone lesions;
- rickets of newborns;
- vitamin D-resistant rickets;
- calcium malabsorption.
What else is prescribed for osteoporosis:
When is the drug contraindicated?
The use of the drug is prohibited in the following cases:
- hypersensitivity to any of the components of the medication;
- hypermagnesia;
- hypercalcemia;
- intoxication with vitamin D;
- hyperphosphatemia.
Caution is advised when prescribing etalphs to patients suffering from nephrolithiasis, heart failure, atherosclerosis, renal stone disease, renal insufficiency, sarcoidosis, also with the use of digitalis and cardiac glycoside medications.
Instruction for use
The whole daily dose of Etalph is used for 1 time. 
Injectable form of the drug is administered intravenously, capsules and drops are consumed inside, regardless of food intake.
Immediately before use, the ampoule with the preparation should be shaken carefully.
The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor on an individual basis, taking into account the course of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
Dosage for adults
Initiate therapy with the drug should be with the intake of the lowest doses. The average daily dose is 1 μg. It can be changed taking into account the disease and its severity:
- with hypoparathyroidism up to 4 μg;
- for osteomalacia and rickets up to 3 μg;
- daily dose for osteoporosis is in the range of 0.5-1 μg.
Dosage for children
For children, use the drug in the form of drops. The daily dose to small patients weighing up to 20 kg is calculated depending on the body weight - for 1 kg of body weight is prescribed 0.01-0.05 μg, with renal osteodystrophy the daily dose is increased to 0.04-0.08 μg.
Children weighing more than 20 kg receive a daily dose of 1 μg
Cases of overdose
When taking the drug in doses above recommended, an overdose may develop. This condition is characterized by the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, general weakness, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, lethargy, abdominal pain and bones.
If any of the symptoms appear, stop taking the medicine and rinse the stomach. Mineral oil can also be used, due to its properties, reduce the absorption of alfacalcidol and accelerate its excretion from the body together with feces.
In severe cases, treatment is carried out in a hospital. It will take intravenous sodium chloride, and sometimes the use of glucocorticosteroids and loop diuretics.
Side effects of the
Etaph are well tolerated by patients. In rare cases:
- hypercalcemia;
- dry mouth;
- increased fatigue;
- tachycardia;
- pain in epigastrium;
- weakness;
- nausea;
- increase in high-density lipoproteins in plasma;
- itching;
- skin rash.
Special patients and directions
The drug does not affect the speed of psychomotor reactions, therefore it can be used in individuals whose work requires the constant concentration of attention.
The drug is used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor to treat patients with impaired renal function.
There are no data on the safety of the use of etlfs during pregnancy and lactation. Use of the drug for these categories of patients is not recommended and is allowed only in exceptional cases, when the benefit to the mother is much higher than the risk for the fetus or the child. Breastfeeding should be discontinued at the time of taking the medication.
The use of medication in pediatrics is permitted.
Interaction with other drugs
Alfacalcidol may interact with other drugs used simultaneously. This is important to consider before starting treatment. So, EtaF:
- increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias when taking with digitalis preparations;
- increases the risk of hypermagnesemia when taken with antacids;
- promotes the development of hypercalcaemia with simultaneous administration with thiazide diuretics and calcium preparations.
A higher dose of the drug will be required with simultaneous use of anticonvulsants and barbiturates. Reduction of absorption of the drug is noted with the simultaneous use of mineral oils, Kolestipol, Sucralfate, Kolestyramine.
Therefore, the Etago should be taken one hour before the above funds are taken or 5 hours after they are taken.
It is forbidden to simultaneously receive other analogs of vitamin D.
There is a view of
Reviews of the drug Etaph is not so much, from the findings we can note that most doctors and patients note the good tolerability and effectiveness of the drug.
The opinion of the doctors
Etafa is excellent for maintenance therapy for patients after removal of the thyroid gland. At the same time there is a noticeable improvement in the general condition. Side effects are extremely rare, indicating a good tolerability of the drug.
Endocrinologist
In my practice I often prescribe etalph to patients with osteoporosis. The drug perfectly combines with estrogenic drugs in the treatment of osteoporosis in women during menopause.
Orthopedist
Thoughts of ordinary people
I go through the treatment with Ostalfa in connection with osteoporosis. The results are satisfied, the pain has decreased noticeably.
Anastasia
Sister is sick with hypoparathyroidism. She was prescribed to drink this drug all the time. Periodically she goes to the hospital and gives tests for blood control. The results of treatment became noticeable after only 2 weeks of treatment - pain and aches in bones decreased, the condition of hair and nails improved, and the general condition returned to normal.
Cyril
Tips and Tricks
Advice on receiving from patients:
- Before using, always read the instructions;Do not use
- without prescription;
- should not exceed the recommended dose;
- capsules must be swallowed whole without dividing;
- drops can not be diluted.
Pros and Cons - Fact Analysis
Pros of the drug:
- high efficiency;
- good portability;
- possibility of application in pediatrics.
Cons:
- side effects;
- is hard to find in pharmacies.
How to replace the medicine?
At the moment there is no Etapha in pharmacies, but this is not a problem, since you can buy numerous analogues of the medicine: 
- Alfadol;
- Alpha D3;
- Oxidevit;
- Van Alpha.
Different forms of the drug require different storage conditions. Capsules can be stored at room temperature, protecting from direct sunlight. Ampoules and drops should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.
After opening the vial with droplets, it is stored under the same conditions, but it should be used within 28 days.
Ethal is a prescription drug.
