Brand name
: ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)
Pronounced: Ro-CAL-trol
Generic name: Calcitriol
Why is ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) prescribed?
ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) is a synthetic form of vitamin D used to treat people on
dialysis who have hypocalcemia (abnormally low blood calcium levels)
and resulting bone damage. ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) is also prescribed to treat low
blood calcium levels in people who have hypoparathyroidism (decreased
functioning of the parathyroid glands). When functioning correctly,
these glands help control the level of calcium in the blood.
ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) is also prescribed for hyperparathyroidism (increased functioning
of the parathyroid glands) and resulting bone disorders in people with
kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis.
Most important fact about ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)
While you are taking ROCALTROL (Calcitriol), your doctor may want you to follow
a special diet or take calcium supplements. This is an important part
of your therapy. On the other hand, too high a calcium level can be
harmful. If you are already taking any medications containing calcium
or calcium supplements, make sure you doctor knows about it.
How should you take ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)?
Be sure to get enough fluids and avoid dehydration while taking ROCALTROL (Calcitriol).
If you miss a dose ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)
If you take 1 dose every other day, and you remember before the next
day, take the forgotten dose immediately, then go back to your regular
schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, take the dose
immediately, skip a day, then go back to your regular schedule.
If you take 1 dose every day, take it as soon as you remember. Then
go back to your regular schedule. If you do not remember until the
next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
If you take ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) more than once a day, take the forgotten dose
as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Keep capsules and oral solution away from heat and light.
ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking ROCALTROL (Calcitriol).
* Side effects occurring early may include:
Bone pain, constipation, dry mouth, extreme sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite,
metallic taste, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness
* Side effects occurring later may include:
Abnormal thirst, apathy, arrested growth, decreased sex drive, dehydration,
elevated blood cholesterol levels, excessive urination, extremely high body
temperature, high blood pressure, inflamed eyes, intolerance to light, irregular
heartbeat, itchy skin, kidney problems, loss of appetite, nighttime urination,
runny nose, sensory disturbances, urinary tract infections, wasting of muscles
or other tissues, weight loss, yellowish skin
Excessive amounts of Vitamin D may cause abnormally high calcium levels
in the blood.
Why should ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) not be prescribed?
You should not use ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) if you have high blood levels of calcium,
or if you have vitamin D poisoning. You should also avoid ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)
if it, or any similar drug, has given you an allergic reaction in the
past.
Special warnings about ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)
You should not take additional doses of vitamin D while taking ROCALTROL (Calcitriol).
People who are on dialysis should not take antacids containing magnesium
(such as Maalox) while taking ROCALTROL (Calcitriol).
Your doctor will monitor your calcium levels while you are taking
ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) because excessive calcium levels can be very dangerous. If
this problem develops, your doctor will need to stop ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) therapy
temporarily and prescribe a lower dose when treatment resumes.
While taking ROCALTROL (Calcitriol), you should have an adequate daily intake of
calcium (at least 600 milligrams a day), either from foods (such as
milk and dairy products) or from a calcium supplement. Your doctor
will estimate your daily calcium intake before you take this drug to
see if you will require more calcium.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)
If ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) with the following:
Antacids containing magnesium, such as Maalox
Calcium supplements
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Digitalis (Lanoxin)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Steroid medications such as prednisone
Thiazide water pills such as Dyazide and HydroDIURIL
Vitamin D pills
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Pregnant women should use ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) only if the
possible benefit outweighs any possible risk to the unborn baby.
ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) may appear in breast milk. Because it may affect a nursing
infant, you should not use ROCALTROL (Calcitriol) while you are breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for ROCALTROL (Calcitriol)
ADULTS
Overdosage
