CALCITRIOL - ORAL

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CALCITRIOL - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KAL-si-TRYE-ol)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rocaltrol

GENERIC NAME(S): calcitriol

Uses

USES: Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D. Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (e.g., dairy products, vitamins). Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones. Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. Calcitriol is used in patients with kidney disease who can't make enough of the active form of Vitamin D. This medication is also used to prevent and treat certain types of calcium/phosphorus/parathyroid problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is usually used along with specific diet recommendations and sometimes other medications.


How to use CALCITRIOL - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form, measure your dose with a special measuring spoon or device. Do not use a normal household spoon since you may not get the correct dose. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and adjust the dose slowly to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is very important to follow the diet recommended by your doctor to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects. Do not take other supplements/vitamins (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) unless ordered by your doctor. Certain medications (bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine/colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat) can decrease the absorption of vitamin D. Therefore, separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of calcitriol (at least 2 hours apart, longer if possible). It may be easiest to take calcitriol at bedtime if you are also taking these other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about finding a good dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Calcitriol does not usually have side effects. Your doctor may check your calcium and phosphate blood levels and adjust your dose if you have side effects. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, back/bone/joint/muscle pain, constipation, dry mouth, eye pain/redness/sensitivity to light, headache, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, sleepiness, stomach/abdominal pain, increased thirst, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), weakness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking calcitriol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high calcium levels. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), kidney disease, kidney stones. Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed (immobile) for a long time. Being immobile for long periods of time increases your risk of side effects. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin, digitalis), magnesium-containing medications (e.g., antacids, milk of magnesia), phosphate binders, vitamins/nutritional supplements (especially calcium and vitamin D), drugs that can speed up the removal of calcitriol from your body (e.g., ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin). Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, laxatives, vitamins) because they may contain calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and vitamin D. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Calcitriol is very similar to other forms of vitamin D. Do not use medications containing other forms of vitamin D while using calcitriol. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., cholesterol test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: weakness, headache, loss of appetite, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness.

Images

CALCITRIOL 1 MCG/ML SOLUTION
CALCITRIOL 1 MCG/ML SOLUTION
CALCITRIOL 1 MCG/ML SOLUTION
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CALCITRIOL 0.25 MCG CAPSULE
CALCITRIOL 0.25 MCG CAPSULE
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CALCITRIOL 0.25 MCG CAPSULE
CALCITRIOL 0.25 MCG CAPSULE
CALCITRIOL 0.25 MCG CAPSULE
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CALCITRIOL 0.5 MCG CAPSULE
CALCITRIOL 0.5 MCG CAPSULE
CALCITRIOL 0.5 MCG CAPSULE
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Faq for CALCITRIOL - ORAL

Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D that is used to treat conditions caused by a lack of vitamin D, such as low calcium levels or certain bone disorders.

Calcitriol works by helping the body absorb calcium from the diet and regulate calcium levels in the blood.

Calcitriol is used to treat conditions such as hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), hypoparathyroidism (low parathyroid hormone levels), renal osteodystrophy (bone disease due to kidney problems), and osteoporosis.

Calcitriol should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. It is usually taken once daily with or without food. It is important to follow the instructions on the prescription label carefully.

The common side effects of calcitriol include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, and increased thirst. Serious side effects such as allergic reactions, high calcium levels, or irregular heart rhythm may occur in rare cases.

It is important to discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking calcitriol. The use of calcitriol during breastfeeding should also be discussed with the doctor.

Calcitriol may interact with certain medications such as antacids, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications that affect the immune system. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

The time required for calcitriol to show its effect may vary depending on the condition being treated. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult the doctor about any concerns.

If a dose of calcitriol is missed, it should be taken as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Doubling the dose should not be done to make up for the missed dose.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.