Rocaltrol (Calcitriol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

February 3, 2012

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
next »

Rocaltrol User Reviews >>

Rocaltrol

Take the Caffeine Quiz

View Healthy Eating in Restaurants Slideshow Pictures

Take the Diet & Nutrition Quiz

font size

ROCALTROL®
(calcitriol) Capsules And Oral Solution

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Rocaltrol (calcitriol) is a synthetic vitamin D analog which is active in the regulation of the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and its utilization in the body. Rocaltrol (calcitriol) is available as capsules containing 0.25 mcg or 0.5 mcg calcitriol and as an oral solution containing 1 mcg/mL of calcitriol. All dosage forms contain butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as antioxidants. The capsules contain a fractionated triglyceride of coconut oil, and the oral solution contains a fractionated triglyceride of palm seed oil. Gelatin capsule shells contain glycerin, parabens (methyl and propyl) and sorbitol, with the following dye systems: 0.25 mcg - FD&C Yellow No. 6 and titanium dioxide; 0.5 mcg - FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 6 and titanium dioxide. The oral solution contains no additional adjuvants or coloring principles.

Calcitriol is a white, crystalline compound which occurs naturally in humans. It has a calculated molecular weight of 416.65 and is soluble in organic solvents but relatively insoluble in water. Chemically, calcitriol is 9,10- seco(5Z,7E)-5,7,10(19)-cholestatriene-1α, 3β, 25-triol and has the following structural formula:

Rocaltrol (calcitriol) Structural Formula Illustration

The other names frequently used for calcitriol are 1α,25-dihydroxy-cholecalciferol, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, 1,25-DHCC, 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and 1,25-diOHC.

What are the possible side effects of calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking calcitriol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased thirst,
urinating more than usual;
pain in your lower back;
fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
weakness, drowsiness, changes in behavior;
bone pain, muscle weakness, loss of height;
nausea,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Rocaltrol »

What are the precautions when taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?

Before taking calcitriol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high calcium levels.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), kidney disease, kidney stones.

Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed (immobile) for a...

Read All Potential Precautions of Rocaltrol »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/17/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.