Rocaltrol: Advanced Calcitriol Therapy for Bone Health Management
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 and metabolic bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, and other conditions characterized by vitamin D metabolism impairment. As a synthetic calcitriol, it directly addresses the underlying pathophysiology of calcium and phosphate dysregulation, offering a targeted therapeutic approach. Its precise mechanism of action facilitates intestinal calcium absorption and promotes bone mineralization, making it a cornerstone in nephrological and endocrinological practice for patients with specific metabolic deficiencies.
Features
- Contains calcitriol, the biologically active form of vitamin D
- Available in oral capsules and liquid formulations for flexible dosing
- Specifically engineered for patients with impaired renal conversion of vitamin D
- Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards to ensure purity and potency
- Supported by extensive clinical research in chronic kidney disease populations
Benefits
- Effectively raises serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic states
- Reduces parathyroid hormone levels in secondary hyperparathyroidism
- Helps prevent and treat metabolic bone disease in renal impairment
- Supports normal bone mineralization processes
- May improve musculoskeletal symptoms associated with calcium deficiency
- Provides predictable pharmacokinetics for consistent therapeutic outcomes
Common use
Rocaltrol is primarily prescribed for the management of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis, as these individuals often cannot convert vitamin D to its active form. It is also indicated for the treatment of hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism, including both surgical and idiopathic forms. Additionally, it finds application in the management of renal osteodystrophy and certain cases of rickets or osteomalacia resistant to conventional vitamin D therapy. The medication is typically used as part of a comprehensive management strategy that may include calcium supplementation and dietary modifications.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on disease severity, serum calcium levels, and patient response. 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: initial dose is 0.25 mcg/day with adjustments made at 2-4 week intervals. Administration should occur with food to enhance absorption. Regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine levels is essential throughout therapy. Dosage adjustments should be made cautiously, typically in increments of 0.25-0.5 mcg every 2-4 weeks based on laboratory parameters.
Precautions
Patients must be closely monitored for hypercalcemia throughout treatment. Serum calcium should be measured twice weekly during dose titration and regularly during maintenance therapy. Use with caution in patients with history of renal stones or soft tissue calcification. Adequate hydration should be maintained. Concomitant use with magnesium-containing preparations should be avoided in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis due to risk of hypermagnesemia. Patients should be advised to avoid non-prescribed calcium supplements and vitamin D products. Periodic assessment of 24-hour urinary calcium excretion may be warranted in certain patients.
Contraindications
Rocaltrol is contraindicated in patients with hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity. It should not be used in patients with evidence of hypersensitivity to calcitriol or any component of the formulation. Use is contraindicated in patients with abnormal sensitivity to the effects of vitamin D. The medication is not indicated for patients with normal renal function who can metabolize endogenous vitamin D appropriately.
Possible side effects
Most common adverse reactions relate to hypercalcemia: nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, headache, drowsiness, and metallic taste. Chronic hypercalcemia may lead to nephrocalcinosis, vascular calcification, and other soft-tissue calcification. Less frequently reported effects include pruritus, photophobia, conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, and elevated liver enzymes. Psychiatric disturbances such as overt psychosis have been rarely reported. Patients may experience pain in bones and muscles following initiation of therapy.
Drug interaction
Thiazide diuretics may potentiate hypercalcemic effects. Cholestyramine and mineral oil may reduce intestinal absorption of calcitriol. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, and other enzyme inducers may increase metabolic degradation. Digitalis glycosides: hypercalcemia may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Calcium supplements and phosphate binders containing calcium may increase risk of hypercalcemia. Magnesium-containing antacids should be used with caution in dialysis patients. Corticosteroids may antagonize the effects of vitamin D analogues.
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, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Consistent dosing is important for maintaining stable calcium levels, so patients should be encouraged to establish a routine for medication administration.
Overdose
Overdose may cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia. Early symptoms include weakness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, and metallic taste. Later manifestations include anorexia, weight loss, conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated BUN, albuminuria, and cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment involves immediate discontinuation, low calcium diet, withdrawal of calcium supplements, generous hydration, and careful monitoring of electrolyte levels. In severe cases, hospitalization with intravenous fluids and loop diuretics may be necessary.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not freeze the liquid formulation. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not transfer capsules or liquid to other containers, as this may affect stability and potency.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made by qualified healthcare professionals based on individual patient circumstances. The prescribing physician should be consulted for specific dosage recommendations and monitoring parameters. Roche Pharmaceuticals maintains responsibility for product quality and safety information. Patients should report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider and to the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Rocaltrol’s efficacy in maintaining appropriate calcium levels in patients with renal impairment. In a 12-month study of dialysis patients, 78% achieved target calcium levels with appropriate dose titration. Endocrinologists report predictable response patterns when monitoring parameters are followed consistently. Some nephrologists note the need for careful patient education regarding symptom recognition of hypercalcemia. The liquid formulation receives particular praise for dosing flexibility in pediatric and difficult-to-titrate patients. Long-term follow-up studies show maintained efficacy in bone mineral density preservation when serum levels are properly monitored.