$Unique_ID{BRK01861}
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$Title{CALCIFEDIOL}
$Subject{Calderol (Organon)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 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).
     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.

     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.
     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 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), vitamin D intoxication, or
sarcoidosis.
     * Before taking over-the-counter 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.
