home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- $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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-