This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Rocaltrol Consumer Information
ROCALTROL
Generic Name: calcitriol (oral) (kal si TRYE all)
Brand Names: Rocaltrol
What is the most important information I should know about calcitriol?
- Do not take antacids or vitamin or mineral supplements except under the supervision of your doctor.
- Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, a metallic taste in your mouth, muscle or bone pain, increased thirst and/or urination, increased nighttime urination, itching, or decreased appetite. These may be signs of too much calcium in your body.
What is calcitriol?
- Calcitriol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
- Calcitriol is used in the treatment of low levels of calcium in the body of patients on chronic renal dialysis and patients with hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is also used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism and resultant metabolic bone disease in patients with kidney failure who are not yet receiving dialysis.
- Calcitriol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calcitriol?
- You cannot take calcitriol if you have high levels of vitamin D or calcium in your body.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
- take digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or
- take magnesium-containing antacids.
- You may not be able to take calcitriol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you take either of the medications listed above.
- Calcitriol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether calcitriol will harm an unborn baby. Do not take calcitriol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- It is also not known whether calcitriol passes into breast milk. However, it is believed that calcitriol could harm a baby. Do not take calcitriol if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take calcitriol?
- Take calcitriol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew or bite them.
- To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of calcitriol with the dose-measuring device provided, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring spoon, cup, or dropper, ask your pharmacist for one.
- Your doctor may also prescribe a calcium supplement while taking calcitriol. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Store calcitriol capsules and solution at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a calcitriol overdose are not known but may include irregular heartbeats, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation, weakness, headache, or a metallic taste in the mouth.
What should I avoid while taking calcitriol?
- Do not take antacids or vitamin or mineral supplements except under the supervision of your doctor.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.