Rocaltrol: Precision Calcium and Phosphate Regulation Therapy
| Product dosage: 0.25mcg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $2.04 | $61.25 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.74 | $122.49 $104.42 (15%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.64 | $183.74 $147.60 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.59 | $244.99 $190.77 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.54 | $367.48 $277.12 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.51 | $551.23 $406.64 (26%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.49
Best per cap | $734.97 $537.17 (27%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Rocaltrol (calcitriol) is a potent, active form of vitamin D3 indicated for the management of hypocalcemia and metabolic bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. It functions by promoting calcium absorption in the intestines and regulating bone mineralization. This synthetic hormone is critical for patients with compromised renal function who cannot endogenously convert vitamin D to its active metabolite. Proper administration under medical supervision helps mitigate secondary hyperparathyroidism and associated skeletal complications.
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
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical quality controls
- Typically supplied in light-resistant packaging to maintain stability
Benefits
- Effectively raises serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients
- Reduces elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in renal osteodystrophy
- Helps prevent and treat metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease
- Supports normal bone mineralization and remodeling processes
- May improve musculoskeletal symptoms associated with calcium deficiency
- Facilitates individualized dosing based on biochemical monitoring
Common use
Rocaltrol is primarily prescribed for the management of hypocalcemia in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. It is also used in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and renal osteodystrophy. The medication addresses vitamin D resistance in renal impairment by providing the active hormone form that dysfunctional kidneys cannot produce. Clinical use is always accompanied by regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on disease severity, serum calcium levels, and patient response. The initial dose for most adult patients is 0.25 mcg daily, which may be increased by 0.25 mcg daily at 4-8 week intervals. For hypocalcemia in dialysis patients, typical maintenance doses range from 0.5 to 1.0 mcg daily. Administration should occur with food to enhance absorption. Capsules should be swallowed whole with water; the oral solution should be measured precisely using the provided dropper. Dosage adjustments should only be made under physician supervision with regular monitoring of calcium and phosphorus levels.
Precautions
Regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, and 24-hour urinary calcium and phosphorus is essential. Patients should maintain adequate dietary calcium intake (600-800 mg daily) unless contraindicated. Those with history of renal stones should be monitored particularly closely. Caution is advised in patients receiving digitalis preparations, as hypercalcemia may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Immobilized patients may be at increased risk of hypercalcemia. Phosphate-binding agents may be needed to control serum phosphorus levels in renal failure patients.
Contraindications
Rocaltrol is contraindicated in patients with hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity. It should not be used in patients with evidence of vitamin D hypersensitivity. Patients with abnormal sensitivity to the effects of vitamin D or those with malabsorption syndromes that might lead to unpredictable absorption should avoid this medication. The presence of renal calculi or significant hyperphosphatemia may also constitute contraindications depending on clinical circumstances.
Possible side effects
- Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria (most common)
- Gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Headache, weakness, and fatigue
- Dry mouth, metallic taste, and anorexia
- Pruritus and skin rash
- Pain in bones and muscles
- Conjunctivitis and photophobia
- Pancreatitis and elevated liver enzymes (rare)
- Hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias (in severe hypercalcemia)
Drug interaction
Cholestyramine and mineral oil may reduce intestinal absorption of Rocaltrol. Thiazide diuretics may increase the risk of hypercalcemia. Magnesium-containing antacids may promote hypermagnesemia in dialysis patients. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, and other enzyme-inducing drugs may increase calcitriol metabolism, reducing its effectiveness. Corticosteroids may antagonize the effects of vitamin D. Patients on digitalis should be monitored closely as hypercalcemia may increase digitalis toxicity risk.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any missed doses, particularly if multiple doses have been omitted, as dosage adjustments or additional monitoring may be required.
Overdose
Overdose may lead to hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia. Early symptoms include weakness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, and metallic taste. Late manifestations include anorexia, weight loss, conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated blood urea nitrogen, albuminuria, and cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment involves immediate discontinuation, low calcium diet, withdrawal of calcium supplements, generous fluid intake, and appropriate supportive measures. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous hydration and diuresis.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not freeze the oral solution. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not transfer the oral solution to other containers, as this may affect dosage accuracy and product stability.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Rocaltrol is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Dosage and treatment duration must be individualized based on clinical assessment and laboratory monitoring. Patients should not adjust their dosage without consulting their physician. The manufacturer and distributors are not liable for any adverse outcomes resulting from improper use of this medication.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Rocaltrol’s efficacy in managing secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients, with approximately 70-80% of patients achieving target PTH levels with appropriate dosing. Many nephrologists report satisfactory control of mineral metabolism parameters when combined with careful monitoring. Some patients report improvement in bone pain and muscle weakness within several weeks of initiation. However, the requirement for frequent laboratory monitoring and dose adjustments is noted as a consideration in treatment adherence. The availability of both capsule and liquid formulations provides flexibility for patients with swallowing difficulties or those requiring very precise dosing.