Rocaltrol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What does Rocaltrol do?

Rocaltrol is a drug used to treat certain conditions caused by high or low levels of parathyroid hormone. Rocaltrol is used to treat low blood calcium levels in patients undergoing chronic kidney dialysis. Rocaltrol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Rocaltrol is a form of vitamin D. Rocaltrol works by encouraging the body's proper absorption and use of calcium and phosphate for normal bone development and maintenance.

How do you use Rocaltrol?

Use Rocaltrol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for instructions on the correct dosage.

This medicine is to be taken before or after meals, usually once every day or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form, measure the dose with a spoon or a special measuring device. Don't use a kitchen spoon, as you may not get the correct dose.

Do not take mineral oil or antacids that contain magnesium along with Rocaltrol. This can reduce the effect of this drug.

Ask your doctor if you have any further questions about the rules for taking this medication.

How to store this drug?

This medication is best stored at room temperature and away from direct light and damp areas. Do not store this drug in the bathroom and do not freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Pay attention to the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist if there is information you do not understand on the package. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed otherwise by the doctor or pharmacist. Do not store drugs that are past the expiration date, or if they have gone bad.

Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medication, including Rocaltrol.

Dose

The following information cannot be used as a substitute for a doctor's prescription. You MUST consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Rocaltrol.

What is the dose of Rocaltrol for adults?

will give you a low dose to start with and adjust the dosage slowly to find the best dose for you. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Use this remedy regularly to get its full benefits.

The optimal daily dose of this drug must be determined carefully for each patient. Rocaltrol can be given orally either as a capsule (0.25 mkg or 0.50 mkg) or as an oral solution (1 mkg / mL). Rocaltrol therapy should always be started at the lowest possible dose and should not be increased without careful monitoring of serum calcium.

The effectiveness of Rocaltrol therapy is based on the assumption that each patient gets an adequate but not excessive daily intake of calcium. Patients are advised to get a minimum calcium intake of 600 mg per day.

The American RDA for calcium in adults is 800 mg to 1200 mg. To ensure that each patient gets an adequate daily intake of calcium, the doctor must prescribe calcium supplements or instruct the patient with appropriate dietary steps.

Because of the increased absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, some patients taking Rocaltrol have been kept at a lower calcium intake. Patients who are prone to hyperkalemia may need low doses of calcium or do not need supplements at all.

What is the dose of Rocaltrol for children?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may not be safe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of a drug before using it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what forms is this medicine available?

Rocaltrol is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Rocaltrol tablets 0.25 mkg
• Rocaltrol 0.5 mkg tablets

Warning

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What should I pay attention to before using Rocaltrol?

Do not use this medication if:

• You are allergic to one of the ingredients in Rocaltrol.
• You have high blood levels of vitamin D or calcium.

Contact your doctor or health care provider immediately if you experience any of the above.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You should discuss the benefits and risks of using Rocaltrol during pregnancy. It is not known whether this drug is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed if you are taking Rocaltrol.

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Rocaltrol?

According to WebMD, here are signs of an allergic reaction to Rocaltrol that you need to be aware of:

• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Stop using the drug and contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects such as:

• Weakness, headache, drowsiness
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Urinating more than usual
• Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
• Changes in behavior
• Muscle aches, bone pain, muscle weakness, loss of height
• Slow growth (in children taking Rocaltrol), or
• Severe pain in the upper abdomen radiating to the back

This is not a complete list and other side effects may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice regarding side effects.

Drug Interactions

What medicines should not be taken at the same time as Rocaltrol?

Several drugs can interact with this drug. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially the following:

• Thiazide diuretics (eg hydrochlorothiazide), because the risk of high blood calcium levels can increase
• Digoxin, because the risk of an irregular heartbeat can increase
• Antacids containing magnesium due to high magnesium blood levels may occur
• Barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital), cholestyramine, corticosteroids (for example, prednisone), hydantoins (for example, phenytoin), or ketoconazole because they can decrease the effectiveness of Rocaltrol

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that can occur. Ask your doctor if Rocaltrol can interact with other drugs you are taking. Consult your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medication.

Are there foods and drinks that should not be consumed while using Rocaltrol?

This medication may interact with food or alcohol by changing how the drug works or increasing the risk of serious side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

Are there certain health conditions that can interact with Rocaltrol?

Several health conditions can interact with this drug. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any health conditions, especially the following:

• heart disease
• kidney disease or kidney stones
• hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or other blood vessel problems
• high levels of phosphate in the blood

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In the event of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take / take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.