Home Osteoporosis causes Osteoporosis symptoms Osteoporosis prevention Osteoporosis fractures Osteoporosis treatment Osteoporosis types Medicines Evista Actonel Boniva Rocaltrol Fosamax Miacalcin Nasal Spray		Rocaltrol Why is Rocaltrol prescribed? Rocaltrol is a synthetic form of vitamin D used to treat people on dialysis who have hypocalcemia (abnormally low blood calcium levels) and resulting bone damage. Rocaltrol is also prescribed to treat low blood calcium levels in people who have hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands). When functioning correctly, these glands help control the level of calcium in the blood. Rocaltrol is also prescribed for hyperparathyroidism (increased functioning of the parathyroid glands) and resulting bone disorders in people with kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis. How should you take Rocaltrol? Be sure to get sufficient fluids and avoid dehydration while taking Rocaltrol. If you miss a dose If you take 1 dose every other day, and you remember before the next day, take the forgotten dose immediately, then go back to your regular schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, take the dose immediately; skip a day, then go back to your regular schedule. If you take 1 dose every day, take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. If you take Rocaltrol more than once a day, take the forgotten dose 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. Do not take 2 doses at once. Storage instructions Keep capsules and oral solution away from heat and light. What are the side effects of Rocaltrol? 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 blood 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. Why should you 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 it, or any similar drug, has given you an allergic reaction in the past. What are the precautions of Rocaltrol? You should 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. Your doctor will monitor your calcium levels while you are taking Rocaltrol because 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 (such as milk and dairy products) or from a calcium supplement. Your doctor will estimate your daily calcium intake before you take this drug to see if you will require more calcium. Recommended dosage for Rocaltrol ADULTS For People on Dialysis The suggested beginning dose is 0.25 microgram daily. Your doctor may increase the dose by 0.25 microgram daily at 4 to 8 week intervals if needed. Most people on dialysis require a dose of 0.5 to 1 microgram a day. People with normal or only slightly low blood calcium levels may find it helpful to take 0.25 microgram every other day. For Low Calcium Levels Due to Hypoparathyroidism. The suggested beginning dose is 0.25 microgram 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 micrograms daily are effective. For People Not Yet on Dialysis . The recommended starting dose is 0.25 microgram a day, increased to 0.5 microgram if necessary. CHILDREN For Low Calcium Levels Due to Hypoparathyroidism. The starting dose is 0.25 microgram, taken in the morning. For most children 6 years and older, doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 micrograms per day are effective. Children from 1 to 5 years old are usually given 0.25 to 0.75 microgram a day. Doses have not been established for hypoparathyroidism in infants under 1 year, or for pseudohypoparathyroidism (a special form of the disorder) in children under 6. For Children not yet on Dialysis The recommended starting dose for children 3 years and older is 0.25 microgram a day, increased to 0.5 microgram if necessary. Overdosage Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Severe overdosage of Rocaltrol may cause serious effects, such as extremely high blood levels of calcium. Warning signs include the symptoms listed under early side effects. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.		-ADVERTISEMENT-
Buy Medicine  |  Contact Us  |  Disclaimer & Privacy Policy Copyright © 2008 Osteoporosis-medicine. All rights reserved.