$Unique_ID{BRK03061}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{calcifediol}
$Subject{Calderol Organon Vitamin D analog calcifediol
25-hydroxycholecalciferol bone structure, regulation blood calcium levels
heart muscle contraction kidneys kidney failure bone disease hypocalcemia low
blood calcium levels dialysis}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


calcifediol
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Calderol (Organon)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Vitamin D analog

INGREDIENT

     calcifediol (25-hydroxycholecalciferol)

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (20 mcg and 50 mcg)

STORAGE

     Calcifediol capsules should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     Vitamin D is essential to many body systems, including bone structure,
regulation of blood calcium levels, and heart and muscle contraction.  Since
vitamin D is activated in the kidneys, patients with chronic (long-term)
kidney failure are unable to produce enough active vitamin D on their own.
Calcifediol is one of the active forms of vitamin D.  This medication is used
to treat bone disease and hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) in patients
on dialysis.

TREATMENT

     Calcifediol can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or milk
(as directed by your doctor).  The capsules should be swallowed whole; do not
crush or chew them.
     If you miss a dose of this drug, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not
double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     None, at the dosages normally prescribed.

     Major.

     The side effects associated with calcifediol therapy are usually the
result of too much medication (vitamin D toxicity).  Tell your doctor about
any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome.  IT IS
ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred vision, bone pain,
constipation, dry mouth, headache, irritability, loss of appetite, mental
disorders, metallic taste in the mouth, muscle pain, nausea, palpitations,
runny nose, increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, weakness, or
weight loss.

INTERACTIONS

     Calcifediol interacts with several types of medications:
     1. The dosage of calcifediol may need to be altered if anticonvulsant
medication (such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone) is started.
     2. Cholestyramine, colestipol, and mineral oil can decrease the
absorption of calcifediol from the gastrointestinal tract.
     3. Use of magnesium-containing antacids along with calcifediol may cause
high blood levels of magnesium.
     4. Calcifediol may lower the effectiveness of verapamil.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Be sure to tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you
have had to any medications, especially to calcifediol, calcitriol,
dihydrotachysterol, ergocalciferol, or vitamin D.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had heart or blood vessel disease,
hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the bloodstream), hyperphosphatemia
(high levels of phosphate in the bloodstream), kidney disease, vitamin D
intoxication, or sarcoidosis.
     * Before taking over-the-counter (nonprescription) products that contain
calcium, phosphates, magnesium, or vitamin D, consult your doctor.  These
ingredients can increase the side effects of calcifediol.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although calcifediol
(in normal doses) appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in
humans have not been conducted.  Birth defects have been reported in the
offspring of animals that received large doses of this medication during
pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small
amounts of calcifediol pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.