Calcitriol belongs to the group of medications called vitamin D3 metabolites. Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D that is active in the body. It helps to maintain the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. It also helps bones absorb calcium.
Indications : Calcitriol is used to help increase the amount of calcium in the blood and help with proper bone formation for people with chronic kidney failure that are undergoing dialysis. It is also used to increase the amount of calcium in the blood for people whose parathyroid glands are not working effectively, such as after surgery. It may also be used to treat vitamin D-resistant rickets, a bone disease caused by too little vitamin D.
How should I use Rocaltrol?The recommended starting dose of calcitriol for adults is 0.25 µg daily. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on blood tests and the amount of calcium in your blood.Starting doses for children are calculated based on body weight and the condition being treated. Your doctor will advise you about the dose of medication to give your child.If you are using the liquid form of calcitriol, use an oral syringe to accurately measure each dose of medication.While you are taking calcitriol, it is important that you follow any dietary suggestions your doctor has provided. Do not increase or decrease the amount of calcium in your diet without discussing the change with your doctor first.Ensure that you are drinking enough fluid and do not become dehydrated while taking calcitriol. Your doctor or pharmacist should be able to tell you how much fluid you need to be taking in.Side Effects :Central Nervous System – Weakness, headache, sensory disturbances, muscle weakness, mood changes and drowsiness.Gastrointestinal – Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, metallic taste, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or stomach pain.Musculoskeletal – Muscle pain and bone pain.Genitourinary – Nighttime urination, frequent urination, urinary tract infection and Blood urea nitrogen.Metabolic – Weight loss, increased thirst, dehydration, increased fat in blood and elevated liver enzymes.Eye and ENT – Eye inflammation and photophobia.Heart – High blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm.Central Nervous System – Muscle weakness and mood changes.Precautions :These factors may affect how you should use this medication.Blood tests: Calcitriol causes changes to the amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate in the blood.Heart arrhythmias: This drug increases the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. Too much calcium can interfere with the regular rhythm of the heart.Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.Breast-feeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking calcitriol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.Who should NOT take Rocaltrol?
Do not use calcitriol if you:are allergic to calcitriol, vitamin D or forms of vitamin D, or any ingredients of the medicationhave high levels of calcium in the bloodhave high levels of vitamin D in the bloodStorage :
Store at room temperature. Protect from heat, light and moisture. Keep away from reach of children.