calcitriol
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a form of vitamin D that's used to raise blood calcium levels; it's commonly used in people with kidney and parathyroid hormone problems. Side effects of calcitriol (Rocaltrol) are similar to the effects you can get when you take too much vitamin D, which includes muscle weakness, feeling tired or sleepy, or upset stomach. Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) comes as capsules and a liquid that you take by mouth. It's available as a brand-name and generic medication.
What is Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
What is Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) used for?
- Low calcium in people on dialysis
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism in people not yet on dialysis
- Low calcium in people with hypoparathyroidism or pseudohypoparathyroidism
How Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) works
Drug facts
Side effects of Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Early signs of high calcium levels:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Upset stomach or stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Dry mouth
- Metallic taste
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Late-stage calcium toxicity: changes in urine, loss of appetite, light sensitivity, chest pain, racing heart
- Allergic reaction: itching, rash, hives, swelling of lips
The following Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain
- High phosphorus level—muscle pain or cramps, bone or joint pain, numbness and tingling around the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Upset stomach
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Pros and cons of Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
Pros
- First-choice treatment option for low calcium levels in people with hypoparathyroidism or severe kidney problems
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
- Can be used in young children
Cons
- Need to get blood tests done often to check your calcium levels
- Best to keep the amount of calcium you eat consistent (eat the same amount each day) while you're taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
- Can interact with a lot of medications, such as certain antacids, steroids, and diuretics
Pharmacist tips for Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
- Take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) at the same time every day. You should only stop taking the medication if your provider tells you to. If your calcium levels are too high, they might ask you to stop the medication for a period of time.
- You'll need to have your blood drawn about twice a week when you're first starting calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and anytime your dose changes. Your providers want to make sure you're getting the right dose of medication to help with your medical condition.
- Take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) exactly as prescribed and avoid other vitamin D supplements during treatment. Taking too much vitamin D can cause dangerously high levels of calcium.
- Try to be consistent about the amount of calcium-rich foods you eat while you're taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol). This will help make sure your calcium levels stay within normal limits. Ask your provider how much calcium you should be getting per day.
- If you're on dialysis, avoid antacids that contain magnesium, such as Mylanta and Milk of Magnesia. Taking these antacids with calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can cause high levels of magnesium, which can lead to serious breathing or heart problems.
- If you're using the oral solution of calcitriol (Rocaltrol), keep it in its original container and store it at room temperature. The medication will come with disposable oral dispensers. Each oral dispenser is meant to be used once to measure and take the dose and then thrown away.
Common questions about Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
Yes, calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is an active form of vitamin D. Although the name sounds a bit like calcium, it's not calcium, but the medication does affect your calcium levels. Vitamin D helps your body absorb and hold onto calcium to raise calcium levels in the blood.
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) helps the gut absorb more phosphorus, which can raise your blood phosphate levels. This might be problematic for people with kidney failure who already struggle with high phosphate levels. Your provider will check your blood phosphate levels regularly while you take calcitriol (Rocaltrol). They might have you take a phosphate binder if your levels get too high.
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a very potent (strong) form of vitamin D and you shouldn't have to take additional vitamin D supplements to help treat your condition. Taking additional vitamin D supplements can actually lead to having too much vitamin D and calcium in your body, which can be dangerous. Make sure to check with your provider or pharmacist first before starting any new supplements because some can include vitamin D and calcium.
You shouldn't take calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and calcium together, unless your provider specifically instructed you to. Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can raise your calcium levels and it can be very harmful if your calcium levels get too high. Your provider might also want you to be mindful of how much calcium you're getting from your diet and other medications. High calcium levels can lead to symptoms like constipation, stomach upset or pain, confusion, or muscle weakness. If you experience these symptoms, get medical help right away.
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) doesn't affect your kidneys unless the dose is too high. An overdose of the medication can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, which your body will try to remove by passing it into your urine. If this continues for a long time, it can lead to kidney tissue damage.
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) works very quickly. You might not feel a difference when you take the medication. But your provider will be able to see a change in your calcium levels on your blood test results within a few days.
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Risks and warnings for Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Overdose
- Risk factors: High daily calcium intake
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a potent (strong) form of vitamin D. Taking too much can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, which can be dangerous. High levels of calcium can damage your kidneys and blood vessels. Keep your calcium intake consistent; eat the same amount of calcium-rich foods or take the same amount of calcium supplements every day. Let your provider know if you notice any signs of high calcium levels, such as a metallic taste in your mouth, dry mouth, muscle or bone pain, or a headache. Your provider can order labs to check your calcium levels and start treatment to lower your calcium levels, if needed.
Interactions with other medications
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) can interact with a number of medications. These medications can include ketoconazole, cholestyramine (Prevalite), corticosteroids, phosphate binders, magnesium-containing supplements or antacids, and diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide. Some medications can raise the levels of calcitriol (Rocaltrol), vitamin D, calcium, or other electrolytes; other medications can lower these levels. Make sure all of your providers have a full list of medications and supplements you're taking so they can adjust your dose based on possible drug interactions.
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) dosage
Typical dosage for Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 0.25 mcg by mouth daily. Your provider will check your blood calcium levels throughout therapy. They might raise your dose if your levels remain low.
- Children: Your child's dose will depend on their age, weight, and the reason they're taking calcitriol (Rocaltrol).
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Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) will not be safe for you to take.
- Having high levels of calcium or vitamin D
What are alternatives to Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)?
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