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GENERIC NAME: CALCITRIOL - ORAL (kal-sih-TRY-ohl)

BRAND NAME(S): Rocaltrol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This is a form of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the body. Vitamin D is necessary for normal bone development. This medication is used as a dietary supplement to help prevent and treat rickets (a vitamin D deficiency). It is also used to prevent and treat muscle cramps and certain types of calcium and phosphate disorders (such as with chronic dialysis), and to regulate parathyroid hormone.

HOW TO USE: Capsules must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them. If you are prescribed the liquid form, use as directed. Follow dosing instructions closely. Do not increase your dose without doctor's approval. Do not take this medication with mineral oil or magnesium containing antacids which may reduce its effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Vitamin D is generally well tolerated. However, notify your doctor if you experience: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, thirst, weakness, headache, bone pain, dry mouth, increased urination. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, kidney disease or kidney stones, coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries). This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk; consult your doctor before breast-feeding.





Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Muscle Cramps - Get information on muscle cramps causes (vitamin deficiency, drugs, lactic acid, dehydration, low calcium, potassium or magnesium), treatment and prevention.
  • Rickets - Rickets is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium or phosphate. Get additional facts about causes, history, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention.
Read more calcitriol-oral related articles »

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calcitriol-oral, Rocaltrol

Rickets »

What is rickets?

Rickets is a disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. It leads to softening and weakening of the bones and is seen most commonly in children 6-24 months of age. There are several subtypes of rickets, including hypophosphatemic rickets (vitamin-D-resistant rickets), kidney rickets (renal osteodystrophy), and, most commonly, nutritional rickets (caused by dietary deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate). Classic nutritional rickets is also medically termed osteomalacia.

What is the history of rickets?

Roman descriptions of individuals with rickets can be found as early as the second century, and in the 1640s, the condition was well documented as a common bone ailment across England. Unfortunately, the scientifically proven cause of rickets was not identified until the 1920s, and by the 1930s, public-health initiatives included recommending fortification of milk with vi...

Read the Rickets article »


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