Rocaltrol: Precision Vitamin D Therapy for Calcium Regulation
Rocaltrol
| Product dosage: 0.25mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $2.03 | $61.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.73 | $122.00 $104.00 (15%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.63 | $183.00 $147.00 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.58 | $244.00 $190.00 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.53 | $366.00 $276.00 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.50 | $549.00 $405.00 (26%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.49
Best per cap | $732.00 $535.00 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Rocaltrol (calcitriol) is a potent, active form of vitamin D3 indicated for the management of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis, as well as for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism and metabolic bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. As a synthetic calcitriol, it functions identically to the endogenous hormone, facilitating intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralization. This targeted therapy is essential for patients with compromised renal function who cannot endogenously convert vitamin D to its active form. Proper administration under medical supervision helps mitigate the risks of secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy.
Features
- Contains calcitriol, the biologically active form of vitamin D
- Available in oral capsule and liquid formulations
- Precisely dosed in micrograms (mcg) for accurate titration
- Specifically designed for patients with impaired renal conversion of vitamin D
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality controls
Benefits
- Effectively raises serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients
- Reduces the risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal failure
- Helps prevent and treat renal osteodystrophy
- Supports normal bone mineralization and remodeling
- Improves calcium-phosphate product balance
- May reduce parathyroid hormone levels in appropriate patients
Common use
Rocaltrol is primarily prescribed for the management of hypocalcemia in patients with chronic renal failure, particularly those undergoing dialysis. It is also indicated for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and certain types of rickets and osteomalacia that are resistant to conventional vitamin D therapy. The medication is essential for patients who cannot adequately convert vitamin D to its active form due to renal impairment.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on serum calcium levels. For hypocalcemia in dialysis patients: initial dose is 0.25 mcg/day, which may be increased by 0.25 mcg/day at 4-8 week intervals. For hypoparathyroidism: adults typically start with 0.25 mcg/day, with dosage adjustments based on calcium levels. Administration should occur with food to enhance absorption. Regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine is mandatory during therapy.
Precautions
Regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, and 24-hour urinary calcium and phosphorus is essential. Patients should maintain adequate fluid intake. Use with caution in patients with hyperphosphatemia as this may lead to soft tissue calcification. Patients with normal renal function should not use this medication as it may cause hypercalcemia. Pregnancy Category C: use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus.
Contraindications
Hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity, hypersensitivity to calcitriol or any component of the formulation, and abnormal sensitivity to the effects of vitamin D. Patients with evidence of vitamin D toxicity should not receive Rocaltrol. Concurrent use with other vitamin D derivatives is contraindicated due to additive effects.
Possible side effect
Hypercalcemia is the most significant side effect, which may manifest as weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain, and metallic taste. Other potential effects include hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia, hypersensitivity reactions, pruritus, and elevated liver enzymes. Rare cases of pancreatitis and cardiac arrhythmias associated with hypercalcemia have been reported.
Drug interaction
Thiazide diuretics may increase the risk of hypercalcemia. Cholestyramine and mineral oil may reduce intestinal absorption of calcitriol. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, and other anticonvulsants may increase calcitriol metabolism, reducing its effectiveness. Digitalis glycosides: hypercalcemia may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Magnesium-containing antacids may cause hypermagnesemia in dialysis patients. Corticosteroids may antagonize the effects of calcitriol.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Patients should maintain regular dosing schedules and contact their healthcare provider if multiple doses are missed, as dosage adjustments may be necessary based on calcium levels.
Overdose
Overdose may cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, and in severe cases, cardiac arrhythmias and coma. Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of Rocaltrol, low calcium diet, withdrawal of calcium supplements, generous fluid intake, and in severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous fluids, loop diuretics, corticosteroids, or dialysis.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. The liquid formulation should be protected from light and stored in its original container.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Rocaltrol is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Dosage and treatment duration must be individualized based on the patient’s condition and laboratory values. Patients should not adjust their dosage without consulting their physician.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Rocaltrol’s efficacy in maintaining appropriate calcium levels in renal failure patients. A 2022 meta-analysis of dialysis patients showed significant improvement in calcium-phosphate product and parathyroid hormone levels with appropriate calcitriol therapy. Many nephrologists report satisfactory outcomes when dosage is carefully titrated against regular laboratory monitoring. Patient experiences vary, with most reporting improved symptom control when calcium levels are properly maintained, though some experience difficulty with dosage adjustments and side effect management.