$Unique_ID{BRK03062}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{calcitriol}
$Subject{Rocaltrol Roche Vitamin D analog calcitriol
1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol bone structure, blood calcium levels heart
muscle contraction kidneys chronic kidney failure bone disease hypocalcemia
low blood calcium levels dialysis}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


calcitriol
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Rocaltrol (Roche)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Vitamin D analog

INGREDIENT

     calcitriol (1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol)

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (0.25 mcg and 0.5 mcg)

STORAGE

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

USES

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

TREATMENT

     Calcitriol 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.

     Side effects result from 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 appetite
loss, blurred vision, bone pain, constipation, dry mouth, headache,
irritability, mental disorders, metallic taste, muscle pain, nausea,
palpitations, runny nose, increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting,
weakness, or weight loss.

INTERACTIONS

     Calcitriol interacts with several types of medications:
     1. The dosage of calcitriol may need to be adjusted if anticonvulsant
medication (phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone) is started.
     2. Cholestyramine, colestipol, and mineral oil can decrease the
absorption of calcitriol from the gastrointestinal tract.
     3. Use of magnesium-containing antacids along with calcitriol may cause
high blood levels of magnesium.
     4. Calcitriol 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 calcitriol, calcifediol,
dihydrotachysterol, ergocalciferol, or vitamin D.
     * Before starting to take this drug, tell your doctor if you have ever
had heart or blood vessel disease, hypercalcemia (high levels of blood
calcium), hyperphosphatemia (high levels of blood phosphate), kidney disease,
vitamin D intoxication, or sarcoidosis.
     * Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) products that
contain calcium, phosphates, magnesium, or vitamin D, check with your doctor.
These ingredients can increase the side effects of calcitriol.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although calcitriol
appears to be safe during pregnancy in humans, birth defects have been
reported in the offspring of animals that received large doses during
pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
Studies have shown that small amounts of calcitriol may 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.