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These brands contain the same active ingredient (Calcitriol). Strength and form may differ — confirm substitution with your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Indications & Uses
Dicaltrol is indicated for:
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
The optimal daily dose of Calcitriol capsule must be carefully determined for each patient on the basis of serum calcium level. In Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: The recommended dose of Calcitriol capsule is 0.25 mcg twice daily. In Renal Osteodystrophy (dialysis patients): The initial daily dose is 0.25 mcg of Calcitriol capsule. In patients with normal or only slightly reduced calcium levels, doses of 0.25 mcg every other day are sufficient. In Hypoparathyroidism and Rickets: The recommended initial dosage of Calcitriol capsule is 0.25 mcg per day, given in the morning. If a satisfactory response is not observed within 2 to 4 weeks on the usual dose, the dose may be increased at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. The recommended intravenous initial dose of Calcitriol injection, depending on the severity of the hypocalcemia and/or secondary hyperparathyroidism, is 1 mcg (0.02 mcg/kg) to 2 mcg, administered three times weekly, at intervals of approximately every other day. Doses as small as 0.5 mcg and as large as 4 mcg three times weekly have been used as an initial dose. If a satisfactory response is not observed, the dose may be increased by 0.5 to 1 mcg at intervals of two to four weeks.
Side Effects
Early side effects of Improcal injection may include weakness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain and a metallic taste in the mouth. Later side effects can include excessive urination, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, weight loss, needing to urinate at night, calcific conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, sensitivity to light, runny nose, itching, elevated body temperature, reduced sex drive, raised blood urea nitrogen (BUN), protein in the urine, high cholesterol, elevated liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT), abnormal calcium deposits in tissue, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and, rarely, overt psychosis. Mild pain at the injection site may occasionally occur.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Excessive doses of Improcal injection can cause hypercalcemia and, in some cases, hypercalciuria. It should be used cautiously in patients taking digitalis, since hypercalcemia in these patients may trigger cardiac arrhythmias. Stopping Improcal injection therapy may cause a rebound effect, so the dose should be tapered down gradually to a maintenance level rather than stopped abruptly. If hypercalcemia occurs, the drug should be stopped right away. As Improcal injection is the most potent form of vitamin D available, vitamin D and its related compounds should not be taken during treatment. Patients on dialysis should use a non-aluminum phosphate-binding agent to keep serum phosphorus levels under control. Long-term hypercalcemia can lead to widespread calcification of blood vessels, calcium deposits in the kidneys, and calcification of other soft tissues.
Contraindications
Calcitriol is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. Calcitriol is also contraindicated in all diseases associated with hypercalcemia.