$Unique_ID{BRK01862}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CALCITRIOL}
$Subject{Rocaltrol (Roche)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 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).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, 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; just 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.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * 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), 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.  Small
amounts of calcitriol 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.
