Rocaltrol

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Rocaltrol during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Pregnant women should use Rocaltrol only if the possible benefit outweighs any possible risk to the unborn baby.

Rocaltrol may appear in breast milk. Because it may affect a nursing infant, you should not use Rocaltrol while you are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

For People on Dialysis

The suggested beginning dose is 0.25 microgram daily. Your doctor may increase the dose by 0.25 microgram daily at 4 to 8 week intervals if needed. Most people on dialysis require a dose of 0.5 to 1 microgram a day.

People with normal or only slightly low blood calcium levels may find it helpful to take 0.25 microgram every other day.

For Low Calcium Levels Due to Hypoparathyroidism

The suggested beginning dose is 0.25 microgram daily, taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose at 2 to 4 week intervals.

For most adults, regular doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 micrograms daily are effective.

For People Not Yet on Dialysis

The recommended starting dose is 0.25 microgram a day, increased to 0.5 microgram if necessary.

CHILDREN

For Low Calcium Levels Due to Hypoparathyroidism

The starting dose is 0.25 microgram, taken in the morning.

For most children 6 years and older, doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 micrograms per day are effective.

Children from 1 to 5 years old are usually given 0.25 to 0.75 microgram a day. Doses have not been established for hypoparathyroidism in infants under 1 year, or for pseudohypoparathyroidism (a special form of the disorder) in children under 6.

For Children not yet on Dialysis

The recommended starting dose for children 3 years and older is 0.25 microgram a day, increased to 0.5 microgram if necessary.

For children less than 3 years old, the daily starting dose is 10 to 15 nanograms per 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Severe overdosage of Rocaltrol may cause serious effects, such as extremely high blood levels of calcium. Warning signs include the symptoms listed under early side effects. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.