Rocaltrol

Generic name: Calcitriol

What is Rocaltrol?

Rocaltrol is a synthetic form of vitamin D used to treat people on dialysis who have abnormally low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and resulting bone damage. Rocaltrol is also prescribed to treat low blood calcium levels in people who have under-functioning parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism). When functioning correctly, these glands help control the level of calcium in the blood. Rocaltrol is also prescribed for people with over-functioning parathyroid glands hyperparathyroidism and for resulting bone disorders in people with kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis.

What is the most important information I should know about Rocaltrol?

While you are taking Rocaltrol, your doctor may want you to follow a special diet or take calcium supplements. This is an important part of your therapy. If you are already taking any medications containing calcium or calcium supplements, be sure to tell your doctor.

Your doctor will monitor your calcium levels while you are taking Rocaltrol; excessive calcium levels can be very dangerous. If this problem develops, your doctor will need to stop Rocaltrol therapy temporarily and prescribe a lower dose when treatment resumes.

While taking Rocaltrol, you should have an adequate daily intake of calcium (at least 600 milligrams a day), either from foods or from a calcium supplement. Your doctor will estimate your daily calcium intake before you take Rocaltrol to see if you require more calcium.

Who should not take Rocaltrol?

You should not use Rocaltrol if you have high blood levels of calcium or if you have vitamin D poisoning. You should also avoid Rocaltrol if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to it, or to any similar drug.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Rocaltrol?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Rocaltrol. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

People Undergoing Dialysis

Adults: The suggested beginning dose is 0.25 micrograms (mcg) daily. Your doctor may increase the dose by 0.25 mcg daily at 4- to 8-week intervals if needed. Most people on dialysis require a dose of 0.5 to 1 mcg a day. People with normal or only slightly low blood calcium levels may find it helpful to take 0.25 mcg every other day.

Low Calcium Levels Due to Hypoparathyroidism

Adults: The suggested beginning dose is 0.25 mcg daily, taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose at 2- to 4-week intervals. For most adults, regular doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mcg daily are effective.

Children ≥6 years: The starting dose is 0.25 mcg taken in the morning. For most children in this age range, doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mcg per day are effective.

Children from 1 to 5 years: The usual dose is 0.25 to 0.75 mcg a day. Doses have not been established for hypoparathyroidism in infants <1 year or for pseudohypoparathyroidism (a special form of the disorder) in children <6 years.

People Not Yet on Dialysis

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 0.25 mcg a day, increased to 0.5 mcg if necessary.

Children ≥3 years: The recommended starting dose is 0.25 mcg a day, increased to 0.5 mcg if necessary.

Children <3 years: The daily starting dose is 10 to 15 nanograms (ng) per 2.2 pounds of body weight.

How should I take Rocaltrol?

Be sure to take in enough fluids while taking Rocaltrol.

What should I avoid while taking Rocaltrol?

Do not take additional doses of vitamin D while taking Rocaltrol. People who are on dialysis should not take antacids containing magnesium (such as Maalox) while taking Rocaltrol. Avoid becoming dehydrated during therapy with Rocaltrol.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Rocaltrol?

If Rocaltrol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Rocaltrol with the following: antacids containing magnesium, calcium supplements, cholestyramine, digitalis, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, phosphate-binding agents, steroid medications, thiazide diuretics, vitamin D supplements

What are the possible side effects of Rocaltrol?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects occurring early may include: bone pain, constipation, dry mouth, extreme sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite, metallic taste, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness

Side effects occurring later may include: abnormal thirst, apathy, arrested growth, decreased sex drive, dehydration, elevated cholesterol levels, excessive urination, extremely high body temperature, high blood pressure, inflamed eyes, intolerance to light, irregular heartbeat, itchy skin, kidney problems, loss of appetite, nighttime urination, runny nose, sensory disturbances, urinary tract infections, wasting of muscles or other tissues, weight loss, yellowish skin

Excessive amounts of Vitamin D may cause abnormally high calcium levels in the blood that may require emergency attention.

Can I receive Rocaltrol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Rocaltrol during pregnancy are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Rocaltrol may appear in breast milk. Because it may affect a nursing infant, you should not use Rocaltrol while you are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rocaltrol?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Rocaltrol?

Keep capsules and oral solution at room temperature away from heat and light.