calcitriol

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(′kal·sə′trī′ōl)

(biochemistry) 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, the form of vitamin D that is involved in intestinal absorption of Ca²⁺ and Ca²⁺ resorption by bone.

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The 1, 25-dihydroxy-derivative of vitamin D, also known as 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol; the active metabolite of the vitamin in the body.

n

trade name: Calcijex; drug class: vitamin D3 hormone; action: increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus; uses: hypocalcemia in chronic renal dialysis and rickets, nutritional supplement.

Brand names: Calcijex®Rocaltrol®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Calcitriol Solution for injection (below)
• Calcitriol Oral solution
• Calcitriol capsules
• Calcitriol injection
• Calcitriol Oral capsule, liquid filled
• Calcitriol Topical ointment

Español:
• Calcitriol, Solución para inyección
• Calcitriol, Solución oral
• Cápsulas de calcitriol
• Inyección de calcitriol
• Calcitriol, Cápsula oral llena de líquido
• Calcitriol, Pomada tópica

Calcitriol Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

CALCITRIOL is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is used to treat patients with low levels of calcium who are on chronic renal dialysis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
•too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood
•an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, calcitriol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•vitamin D

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•calcium supplements
•cholestyramine
•corticosteroids
•digoxin
•ketoconazole
•magnesium supplements
•phenobarbital
•phenytoin
•phosphate-binding agents
•some antacids
•thiazide diuretics

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have important lab work done while you are taking this medicine.

You will need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medicine. Do not take any non-prescription medicines that have vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids, unless directed by your doctor. Limit the amount of calcium you get each day as directed. The extra supplements can cause side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•bone pain
•increased thirst
•increased urination (especially at night)
•irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure
•metallic taste
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•seizures
•unexpected weight loss
•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•dry mouth
•headache
•loss of appetite
•pain at site where injected
•stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.