CalcitriolCALCITRIOL - ORAL (kal-sih-TRY-ohl) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rocaltrol 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 TAKE THIS MEDICATION: 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. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: digoxin, cholestyramine, colestipol, mineral oil, thiazide diuretics (water pills), phenobarbital, phenytoin, steroids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. NOTES: Foods rich in vitamin D include: fortified dairy products, eggs, sardines, cod liver oil, chicken livers and fresh-water fish. Vitamin D is also obtained from periodic exposure to the sun. It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet while taking this medication. Calcium supplements may be recommended in addition to this medication. Discuss this with your doctor. MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.
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