Ekanga

Uses

Alfacalcidol is used for:

• It is used to increase the amount of vitamin D in your body. This often increases calcium levels as well which can help in treatment of certain illnesses.
• In general this drug is used to treat diseases where the amount of calcium and phosphate (which is controlled by the level of vitamin D) in your body needs changing.
• Benefits of being on this drug can include control of the levels of calcium and phosphate in your body.
• Treat and prevent bone conditions that are caused by kidney failure (osteodystrophy)
• Treat illnesses and abnormalities affecting the parathyroid glands which make a substance called the parathyroid hormone.
• Correct low levels of calcium in the blood of newborn babies (hypocalcaemia)
• Treat the softening and deformity of the bones due to lack of calcium (rickets or osteomalacia)

Calcium is a mineral found in over-the-counter supplements or prescription formulations used for the treatment of specific medical conditions related to calcium deficiency.

Calcium plays a vital role in the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of organisms and of the cell, particularly in signal transduction pathways. It is vital in cell signaling, muscular contractions, bone health, and signalling cascades.

Zinc is an essential element commonly used for the treatment of patients with documented zinc deficiency.

Zinc can be used for the treatment and prevention of zinc deficiency/its consequences, including stunted growth and acute diarrhea in children, and slowed wound healing. It is also utilized for boosting the immune system, treating the common cold and recurrent ear infections, as well as preventing lower respiratory tract infections .

Ekanga is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Hypocalcemia, Hypophosphatemic Rickets, Hypovitaminosis D, Nutritional Rickets, Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), Hypophosphatemic osteomalaciaCalcium Deficiency, Deficiency, Vitamin D, Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Chronic Hypocalcemia, Chronic Hypocalcemia caused by anticonvulsant medications, Care of the Joint, Mineral supplementation, Nutritional supplementationCandidiasis, Common Cold, Diaper Dermatitis, Diaper Rash, Eye redness, Iron Deficiency (ID), Ocular Irritation, Skin Irritation, Sunburn, Wilson's Disease, Zinc Deficiency, Dietary and Nutritional Therapies, Dietary supplementation

How Ekanga works

In conditions like chronic renal failure, renal bone disease, hypoparathyroidism, and vitamin D dependent rickets, the kidneys' capacity for 1α-hydroxylation is impaired, leading to reduced production of endogenous 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and aberrated mineral metabolism. As an active and potent analog of vitamin D, alfacalcidol works to restore the functions and activities of endogenous 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

Calcium plays a vital role in the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of organisms and of the cell, particularly in signal transduction pathways. More than 500 human proteins are known to bind or transport calcium. The skeleton acts as a major mineral storage site for the element and releases Ca2+ ions into the bloodstream under controlled conditions. Circulating calcium is either in the free, ionized form or bound to blood proteins such as serum albumin. Parathyroid hormone (secreted from the parathyroid gland) regulates the resorption of Ca2+ from bone. Calcitonin stimulates incorporation of calcium in bone, although this process is largely independent of calcitonin. Although calcium flow to and from the bone is neutral, about 5 mmol is turned over a day. Bone serves as an important storage point for calcium, as it contains 99% of the total body calcium. Low calcium intake may also be a risk factor in the development of osteoporosis. The best-absorbed form of calcium from a pill is a calcium salt like carbonate or phosphate. Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate are absorbed well by pregnant women. Seniors absorb calcium lactate, gluconate and citrate better unless they take their calcium supplement with a full breakfast. The currently recommended calcium intake is 1,500 milligrams per day for women not taking estrogen and 800 milligrams per day for women on estrogen. There is close to 300 milligrams of calcium in one cup of fluid milk. Calcium carbonate is currently the best and least expensive form of calcium supplement available.

Zinc has three primary biological roles: catalytic, structural, and regulatory. The catalytic and structural role of zinc is well established, and there are various noteworthy reviews on these functions. For example, zinc is a structural constituent in numerous proteins, inclusive of growth factors, cytokines, receptors, enzymes, and transcription factors for different cellular signaling pathways. It is implicated in numerous cellular processes as a cofactor for approximately 3000 human proteins including enzymes, nuclear factors, and hormones .

Zinc promotes resistance to epithelial apoptosis through cell protection (cytoprotection) against reactive oxygen species and bacterial toxins, likely through the antioxidant activity of the cysteine-rich metallothioneins .

In HL-60 cells (promyelocytic leukemia cell line), zinc enhances the up-regulation of A20 mRNA, which, via TRAF pathway, decreases NF-kappaB activation, leading to decreased gene expression and generation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1beta, and IL-8 .

There are several mechanisms of action of zinc on acute diarrhea. Various mechanisms are specific to the gastrointestinal system: zinc restores mucosal barrier integrity and enterocyte brush-border enzyme activity, it promotes the production of antibodies and circulating lymphocytes against intestinal pathogens, and has a direct effect on ion channels, acting as a potassium channel blocker of adenosine 3-5-cyclic monophosphate-mediated chlorine secretion. Cochrane researchers examined the evidence available up to 30 September 2016 .

Zinc deficiency in humans decreases the activity of serum thymulin (a hormone of the thymus), which is necessary for the maturation of T-helper cells. T-helper 1 (Th(1)) cytokines are decreased but T-helper 2 (Th(2)) cytokines are not affected by zinc deficiency in humans [A342417].

The change of Th(1) to Th(2) function leads to cell-mediated immune dysfunction. Because IL-2 production (Th(1) cytokine) is decreased, this causes decreased activity of natural-killer-cell (NK cell) and T cytolytic cells, normally involved in killing viruses, bacteria, and malignant cells [A3424].

In humans, zinc deficiency may lead to the generation of new CD4+ T cells, produced in the thymus. In cell culture studies (HUT-78, a Th(0) human malignant lymphoblastoid cell line), as a result of zinc deficiency, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, phosphorylation of IkappaB, and binding of NF-kappaB to DNA are decreased and this results in decreased Th(1) cytokine production .

In another study, zinc supplementation in human subjects suppressed the gene expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased oxidative stress markers [A3424]. In HL-60 cells (a human pro-myelocytic leukemia cell line), zinc deficiency increased the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-8 cytokines and mRNA. In such cells, zinc was found to induce A20, a zinc finger protein that inhibited NF-kappaB activation by the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor pathway. This process decreased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers .

The exact mechanism of zinc in acne treatment is poorly understood. However, zinc is considered to act directly on microbial inflammatory equilibrium and facilitate antibiotic absorption when used in combination with other agents. Topical zinc alone as well as in combination with other agents may be efficacious because of its anti-inflammatory activity and ability to reduce P. acnes bacteria by the inhibition of P. acnes lipases and free fatty acid levels .

Dosage

Ekanga dosage

Adults: The usual starting dose is 1 microgram each day. People usually take between 1 and 3 micrograms each day. Most people take between 0.25 and 1 microgram each day once the blood test results show the medicine is working.

If you have very low levels of calcium in your blood, your doctor may prescribe between 3 and 5 microgram each day. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine called a calcium supplement to take as well as Alfacalcidol. This will help to keep the right amount of calcium level in your blood.

Elderly: The usual starting dose is 0.5 microgram each day.

Children:

• Newborn and premature babies: The usual starting dose is 0.05 to 0.1 microgram per kilogram of body weight each day. If the level of calcium in their blood is very low, up to 2 micrograms per kilogram of body weight may be needed each day. A dose of 0.1 microgram per kilogram body weight each day is used to stop low blood calcium levels in premature babies.
• Children weighing less than 20 kilograms: The usual starting dose is 0.05 microgram per kilogram body weight each day.
• Children weighing more than 20 kilograms: The usual starting dose is 1 microgram each day.

Side Effects

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, lassitude, polyuria, sweating, headache, thirst, vertigo, pruritus, rash, urticaria. Hypercalcaemia, hypercalciuria and ectopic calcification.

In case of renal impairment, hyperphosphataemia. In hypercalcaemic dialysis patients, possibility of calcium influx from the dialysate should be considered.

Toxicity

There is a discrepancy across a number of reported LD₅₀ values for alfacalcidol, which can be attributed to differences in the procedures used in laboratories. Oral LD₅₀ in mice ranges from 440 to 490 mcg/kg. Intravenous in mice was 290 mcg/kg; however, another source presented 56 mcg/kg in female mice and 71 mcg/kg in male mice. Oral LD₅₀ in rats ranges from 340 to 720 mcg/kg.

In case of an acute accidental overdose following oral administration, emesis or gastric lavage can be induced to prevent further drug absorption. Mineral oil may be used to promote fecal drug elimination in instances where the drug was already absorbed in the stomach.

Alfacalcidol overdose can lead to hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia. Similarly, a high intake of calcium and phosphate concurrently with a therapeutic dose of alfacalcidol can result in those conditions. Hypercalcemia most commonly presents with headache, weakness, hypertension, somnolence, dizziness, sweating, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia and muscle and bone pain, and metallic taste. Hypercalcemia should be responded to with discontinuation of alfacalcidol, a low calcium diet and withdrawal of calcium supplements. Prolonged hypercalcemia can lead to nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, and reduced kidney function. In cases of severe hypercalcemia, general supportive measures are recommended, which may include forced diuresis and close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, and electrocardiographs. Monitoring for abnormalities is especially critical in patients receiving digitalis glycosides. Management with glucocorticosteroids, loop diuretics, bisphosphonates, and calcitonin, as well as hemodialysis with low calcium content, may be considered.

According to the Toxnet database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the oral LD50 for zinc is close to 3 g/kg body weight, more than 10-fold higher than cadmium and 50-fold higher than mercury .

The LD50 values of several zinc compounds (ranging from 186 to 623 mg zinc/kg/day) have been measured in rats and mice .

Precaution

Pregnancy, lactation, renal impairment, infants, elderly. Monitor serum levels of calcium in patients with renal failure. Caution in hypercalciuria in those with history of renal calculi. Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity to inj. containing propylene glycol.

Interaction

Thiazides may increase the risk of hypercalcaemia. Some antiepileptics e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone may increase vitamin D requirements. Rifampicin, isoniazid and corticosteroids may reduce the efficacy of vitamin D.

Volume of Distribution

A pharmacokinetic study was done in rats to determine the distribution and other metabolic indexes of zinc in two particle sizes. It was found that zinc particles were mainly distributed to organs including the liver, lung, and kidney within 72 hours without any significant difference being found according to particle size or rat gender .

Elimination Route

Alfacalcidol is absorbed passively and almost completely in the small intestine.

Zinc is absorbed in the small intestine by a carrier-mediated mechanism . Under regular physiologic conditions, transport processes of uptake do not saturate. The exact amount of zinc absorbed is difficult to determine because zinc is secreted into the gut. Zinc administered in aqueous solutions to fasting subjects is absorbed quite efficiently (at a rate of 60-70%), however, absorption from solid diets is less efficient and varies greatly, dependent on zinc content and diet composition .

Generally, 33% is considered to be the average zinc absorption in humans . More recent studies have determined different absorption rates for various populations based on their type of diet and phytate to zinc molar ratio. Zinc absorption is concentration dependent and increases linearly with dietary zinc up to a maximum rate [L20902].

Additionally zinc status may influence zinc absorption. Zinc-deprived humans absorb this element with increased efficiency, whereas humans on a high-zinc diet show a reduced efficiency of absorption .

Half Life

The half-life of alfacalcidol ranges from three to four hours.

The half-life of zinc in humans is approximately 280 days .

Clearance

In one study of healthy patients, the clearance of zinc was found to be 0.63 ± 0.39 μg/min .

Elimination Route

The kidney excretes 250 mmol a day in urine, and resorbs 245 mmol, leading to a net loss in the urine of 5 mmol/d.

The excretion of zinc through gastrointestinal tract accounts for approximately one-half of all zinc eliminated from the body .

Considerable amounts of zinc are secreted through both biliary and intestinal secretions, however most is reabsorbed. This is an important process in the regulation of zinc balance. Other routes of zinc excretion include both urine and surface losses (sloughed skin, hair, sweat) .

Zinc has been shown to induce intestinal metallothionein, which combines zinc and copper in the intestine and prevents their serosal surface transfer. Intestinal cells are sloughed with approximately a 6-day turnover, and the metallothionein-bound copper and zinc are lost in the stool and are thus not absorbed .

Measurements in humans of endogenous intestinal zinc have primarily been made as fecal excretion; this suggests that the amounts excreted are responsive to zinc intake, absorbed zinc and physiologic need .

In one study, elimination kinetics in rats showed that a small amount of ZnO nanoparticles was excreted via the urine, however, most of the nanoparticles were excreted via the feces .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category.

Contraindication

Hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification, hyperphosphataemia (except when occurring with hypoparathyroidism), hypermagnesaemia.

Innovators Monograph

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