Rocaltrol belongs to the group of medications called vitamin D3 metabolites. It is a form of vitamin D that is active in the body. Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones. It also helps bones absorb calcium. Rocaltrol 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 or parathyroid problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism.
Directions
Take Rocaltrol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily. The recommended starting dose for adults is 0.25 mg daily. Starting doses for children are calculated based on body weight and the condition being treated.
Precautions
Before taking Rocaltrol you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, including irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, kidney stones, hypercalcemia. Do not take other vitamin or mineral. Avoid using antacids. Some types can cause serious side effects.
Contraindications
Do not use Rocaltrol if you are allergic to calcitriol, vitamin D or forms of vitamin D, or any ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in the blood.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have abdominal cramps, agitation, constipation, difficulty sleeping, extremity pain, headache, sleep problem (insomnia), metallic taste, nausea, red, irritated eyes, vomiting, itchiness, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, redness, rash, bone pain, decreased appetite, weight loss, uneven heart rate, increased thirst, urinating more than usual, drowsiness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: digoxin, phosphate, barbiturates (butalbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, amobarbital), magnesium, bile acid sequestrants (colestipol, colesevelam, cholestyramine), antifungal medications (voriconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole), steroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are weakness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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