Treats low blood calcium in kidney dialysis patients and other patients. Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D.
Brand Names:
Rocaltrol
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D.
Uses:
Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often to use it.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
If you are on dialysis, avoid magnesium-containing antacids (Maalox®, Mylanta®) while taking this medicine.
You should not use vitamin supplements or other forms of vitamin D while taking calcitriol.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking chloestyramine (Questran®) before taking this medicine.
Warnings:
Check with your doctor before taking calcitriol if you are pregnant, breast feeding, or have any medical problems.
If you are on dialysis, you may need to follow a special diet and take phosphate-binding medicine. Talk to your doctor about this.
If you are not on dialysis, drink plenty of liquids.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Nausea and vomiting, long-lasting headache, constipation, sleepiness and weakness.
