Clin Osteol 2007; 12(2): 53-57

Alfacalcidol and the risk of falls in osteoporosisReview articles

P. Masaryk

Falls represent an important risk factor for osteoporotic fractures, higher than bone density, especially in the elderly. Besides fractures, falls have serious extraskeletal consequences. Alfacalcidol is synthetic 1-hydroxyvitamin D3 hydroxylated in the critical 1-alpha posi­ tion and converted only in the liver, yielding the biologically active form of vitamin D, calcitriol (1,25-OH D). Alfacalcidol is a prodrug (analogue) of D-hormone. It is metabolically inactive and all its effects are derived from calcitriol. However, its pharmacological pro­ perties are more beneficial than those of calcitriol (better synthesis, higher concentrations in bone tissue, a broader therapeutic win­ dow, less frequent side-effects). Alfacalcidol increases the intestinal absorption of calcium, decreases PTH secretion, improves bone mi­ neralization, inhibits bone resorption and stimulates bone formation. Recent experimental and clinical studies have proved another effect - a lower risk of falls, not seen in other antiosteoporotic drugs. This effect is based on improving muscle strength and neuro­ muscular coordination.

Keywords: alfacalcidol, falls, osteoporosis

Published: December 11, 2007  Show citation

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Masaryk P. Alfacalcidol and the risk of falls in osteoporosis. Osteologický bulletin. 2007;12(2):53-57.
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