Rocaltrol is a vitamin D3 also called as Calcitriol

About Generic Rocaltrol :

Rocaltrol is a vitamin D3 also called as Calcitriol. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body. Rocaltrol is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and metabolic bone disease in people who have chronic kidney failure and are not receiving dialysis. It is also used to treat calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) and metabolic bone disease in people who are receiving dialysis. This is also used to treat calcium deficiency in people with hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) caused by surgery, disease, or other conditions.

Dialysis :

The recommended initial dose of Rocaltrol is 0.25mcg/day. If a satisfactory response in the biochemical parameters and clinical manifestations of the disease state is not observed, dosage may be increased by 0.25mcg/day at 4 to 8 week intervals. During this ti tration period, serum calcium levels should be obtained at least twice weekly, and if hypercalcemia is noted, the drug should be immediately discontinued until normocalcemia ensues. Phosphorus, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase should be determined periodically.

Patients with normal or only slightly reduced serum calcium levels may respond to Rocaltrol doses of 0.25 mcg every other day. Most patients undergoing hemodialysis respond to doses between 0.5 and 1 mcg/day.

Oral Rocaltrol may normalize plasma-ionized calcium in some uremic patients, yet fail to suppress parathyroid hyperfunction. In these individuals with autonomous parathyroid hyper-function, oral Rocaltrol may be useful to maintain normocalcemia, but has not been shown to be adequate treatment for hyperparathyroidism.

Precautions :

• Before taking Rocaltrol, 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.
• 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 (irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), kidney disease, kidney stones.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Side Effects :

Stop using Rocaltrol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as :

• Weakness, headache, drowsiness;
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;
• Loss of appetite;
• Dry mouth, increased thirst;
• Fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• Changes in behavior;
• Muscle pain, bone pain, muscle weakness, loss of height;
• Slow growth (in a child taking Rocaltrol);
• Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Related Articles - Generic Rocaltrol, Calcitriol, vitamin D3, calcium, hyperparathyroidism, calcium deficiency, chronic kidney failure, onlinegenericpills,

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