Rocaltrol (Calcitriol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rocaltrol Used For?
Rocaltrol contains calcitriol, which is a naturally occurring, biologically active form of vitamin D. It belongs to a group of medicines known as vitamin D compounds used to treat bone conditions.
Primary Uses
Rocaltrol is used to treat people with osteoporosis and to prevent osteoporosis in people taking oral corticosteroids. It’s also prescribed for treating low blood calcium in patients with osteodystrophy (a form of bone disease), hypoparathyroidism (reduced function of the parathyroid glands), and rickets.
How It Works
Rocaltrol works by improving absorption of calcium from the intestine and by stimulating growth of healthy bones.
How to Take Rocaltrol
Your doctor will determine how many Rocaltrol capsules you need to take each day based on your condition, blood calcium levels, and individual response. Rocaltrol is usually taken continuously for long-term treatment.
Dosage Instructions
For osteoporosis patients: The usual daily dose for adults is 0.25 micrograms (one capsule) taken twice daily. For osteodystrophy, hypoparathyroidism and rickets: The initial daily dose is usually 0.25 micrograms (one capsule) given in the morning. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose in 0.25 microgram steps if needed. Take Rocaltrol at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not open capsules or take damaged capsules.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, do not take an extra dose. Wait until the next dose and take your normal dose then. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Always tell your doctor if you want to stop taking Rocaltrol as stopping suddenly can lead to a rapid fall in calcium levels.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- skin rash, itching or hives
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- loss of appetite
- feeling sick
- vomiting or stomach ache
- constipation
- dry mouth or thirst
- headache
- feeling tired, sleepy or drowsy
- weakness or muscle weakness
- irregular and/or rapid heart beat
- urinary tract infection
- fever
Important Warnings
There are important conditions and situations where Rocaltrol should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Rocaltrol
Do not use Rocaltrol if you are allergic to calcitriol, other vitamin D compounds, or any ingredients in the medication. Do not use if you have high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcaemia) or vitamin D toxicity.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, particularly kidney problems, take any medicines for other conditions, or are allergic to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Rocaltrol when pregnant. Do not take Rocaltrol if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, as it may pass into breast milk and have unwanted effects in the baby.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Rocaltrol and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
- medicines or vitamin tablets containing vitamin D or calcium
- cholestyramine (medicine used to lower cholesterol levels)
- sevelamer (medicine used to lower phosphorus levels)
- antacids containing magnesium
- digoxin (medicine used to treat heart conditions)
- thiazide diuretics (medicines used to treat high blood pressure and water retention)
- phenytoin and phenobarbital (medicines used to control epilepsy and seizures)
Alcohol & Driving
Your ability to drive or operate machinery should not normally be affected by Rocaltrol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Your ability to drive a car or operate machinery will not normally be affected by Rocaltrol.
Storage
Store Rocaltrol below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Keep capsules in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep away from young children. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Rocaltrol, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, headache, excessive thirst, feeling sick, vomiting, and constipation.
Frequently Asked Questions
For conditions like osteodystrophy, hypoparathyroidism and rickets, if calcium levels have not improved significantly after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, your doctor may gradually increase the dose until satisfactory calcium levels are achieved.
Yes, Rocaltrol can be taken with or without food. Take it at the same time each day and swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water.
Do not stop taking Rocaltrol suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can lead to a rapid fall in calcium levels. Your doctor will tell you the best way to slowly reduce the amount before stopping completely.
You should discuss your diet with your doctor and follow their dietary recommendations strictly. Sudden changes in diet, particularly the amount of dairy products, may lead to increased calcium in your blood, causing symptoms like weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion and increased urination.
Yes, you should keep all blood test appointments with your doctor. These tests check your blood calcium levels while you are taking Rocaltrol, and your doctor will discuss your specific monitoring needs with you.
No, do not give Rocaltrol to anyone else even if their symptoms seem similar to yours. This medication is prescribed specifically for your condition and calcium levels.
Signs of high calcium levels include loss of appetite, feeling sick, vomiting, stomach ache, constipation, dry mouth or thirst, headache, feeling tired or drowsy, weakness, irregular or rapid heartbeat, urinary tract infection, and fever. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.