Alfacon

Alfacon

Generic Name :Amino Acid Keto Analogues

Therapeutic Class :Amino Acids, Including combinations with polypeptides

Formulation: Film-coated Tablets

Indications

Alfacon is indicated for prevention & treatment of damages due to faulty or deficient protein metabolism in chronic kidney disease in connection with a limited dietary protein intake 40 gm/day or less(adult). Usually this applies to patients whose glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is less than 25 ml/min.

Composition

Each film coated tablet contains-

  • Calcium-3-methyl-2-oxo-valerate (α-ketoanalogue of isoleucine, calcium-salt): 67 mg
  • Calcium-4-methyl-2-oxo-valerate (α-ketoanalogue of leucine, calcium-salt): 101 mg
  • Calcium-2-oxo-3-phenylpropionate (α-ketoanalogue of phenylalanine, calcium-salt): 68 mg
  • Calcium-3-methyl-2-oxobutyrate (α-ketoanalogue of valine, calcium salt): 86 mg
  • Calcium-DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butyrate (α-hydroxyanalogue to methionine, calcium-salt): 59 mg
  • L-lysine acetate USP (eqv. to Lysine 75mg) :105 mg
  • L-threonine USP: 53 mg
  • L-tryptophan USP: 23 mg
  • L-histidine USP as Histidine Hydrochloride Monohydrate: 38 mg
  • L-tyrosine USP: 30 mg

Pharmacology

This nutritional supplement contains amino acids, partly in form of there corresponding ketoanalogues, essential for patients with chronic kidney disease. It follows same catabolic pathways as amino acids and works by improving the metabolism of protein in the body, thereby improving the renal function. Amino Acid Ketoanalogues allows the intake of essential amino acids while minimizing the amino-nitrogen intake. The keto- and hydroxy-analogues are transaminated to the corresponding essential amino acids by taking nitrogen from non-essential amino acids, thereby decreasing the formation of urea by re-using the amino group, and causes absorption to occur.

Dosage & Administration

  • In general, unless prescribed otherwise, take 4-8 tablets 3 times a day during meals. This dosage applies to adults (with 70 kg body weight).
  • Swallow whole. The tablets must not be chewed.
  • Food should contain 40 g/day protein or less (adults).
  • Ingestion during meals facilitates proper absorption and the metabolisation into the corresponding amino acids.
  • These tablets are given as long as the GFR is between 5 and about 25mL/minute.