Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is indicated in- Post-menopausal osteoporosis Renal osteodystrophy Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism Pseudohypoparathyroidism Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis) Vitamin D dependent rickets

Vitamin in bone formation, Vitamin-D preparations

Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is one of the most important active metabolites of vitamin D3. It is normally formed in the kidneys from its precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and regulates bone mineralization. The key role of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which includes stimulation effects on osteoblastic activity in the skeleton.

The optimal daily dose of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg capsule must be carefully determined for each patient on the basis of serum calcium level.In Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: The recommended dose of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg capsule is 0.25 mcg twice daily.In Renal Osteodystrophy (dialysis patients): The initial daily dose is 0.25 mcg of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg 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 Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg capsule is 0.25 mcg/day which given in the morning. If within 2-4 weeks satisfactory response is not observed by usual dose then dose may be increased at 2-4 weeks intervals. The recommended intravenous initial dose of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg 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, 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 two to four week intervals.

The optimal daily dose of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg capsule must be carefully determined for each patient on the basis of serum calcium level.In Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: The recommended dose of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg capsule is 0.25 mcg twice daily.In Renal Osteodystrophy (dialysis patients): The initial daily dose is 0.25 mcg of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg 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 Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg capsule is 0.25 mcg/day which given in the morning. If within 2-4 weeks satisfactory response is not observed by usual dose then dose may be increased at 2-4 weeks intervals. The recommended intravenous initial dose of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg 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, 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 two to four week intervals.

Concomitant treatment with a thiazide diuretics increases the risk of hypercalcemia. Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg dosage must be determined with care in patients undergoing treatment with digitalis as hypercalcemia in such patients may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Magnesium containing drugs (e.g.,antacids) may cause hypermagnesemia.

Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is also contraindicated in all diseases associated with hypercalcemia.

Occasional symptoms include anorexia, headache, vomiting and constipation. Chronic effects may include dystrophy, fever, polyuria, dehydration, apathy and urinary tract infection.

There is no evidence that vitamin D is teratogenic in humans. Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg may be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. Mothers may breast feed while taking Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg but serum calcium levels of the mother and infant should be monitored.

During Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg therapy if the serum calcium levels rise to 1 mg/100 ml above normal or serum creatinine rises to andgt;120 µmol/l, the dosage of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg should be substantially reduced or treatment stopped.

keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis)- The recommended initial dosage of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is 0.25 mcg/day in adults and pediatric patients 3 years of age or older. This dosage may be increased if necessary to 0.5 mcg/day. For pediatric patients less than 3 years of age, the recommended initial dosage of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is 10 to 15 ng/kg/day. In Elderly: No dosage adjustment are required.

Vitamin in bone formation, Vitamin-D preparations

Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is one of the most important active metabolites of vitamin D3. It is normally formed in the kidneys from its precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and regulates bone mineralization. The key role of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which includes stimulation effects on osteoblastic activity in the skeleton.

There is no evidence that vitamin D is teratogenic in humans. Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg may be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. Mothers may breast feed while taking Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg but serum calcium levels of the mother and infant should be monitored.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis)- The recommended initial dosage of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is 0.25 mcg/day in adults and pediatric patients 3 years of age or older. This dosage may be increased if necessary to 0.5 mcg/day. For pediatric patients less than 3 years of age, the recommended initial dosage of Dicaltrol 0.25 mcg is 10 to 15 ng/kg/day. In Elderly: No dosage adjustment are required.