INTRODUCTION ABOUT LARETOL CAPSULE

LARETOL CAPSULE contains Calcitriol, which belongs to the group of medicines called Vitamin D analogs. It is used to manage bone disorders caused by calcium deficiencies due to various disease conditions such as renal osteodystrophy, menopausal osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcaemia, and hypophosphatemia. Your doctor will monitor your calcium and renal function levels to ensure the efficacy of LARETOL CAPSULE.

Renal osteodystrophy is a complication of chronic kidney disease that weakens bones. It is caused by changes in the levels of minerals and hormones in the blood. The main signs are bone pain and fractures. Menopausal osteoporosis is a condition where the bones start weakening in menopausal women.

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition when parathyroid hormones secrete excess thyroid hormones. Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood. Hypophosphatemia indicates low levels of phosphorus in the blood.

LARETOL CAPSULE is not recommended for use in patients with high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia), deposits of calcium (metastatic calcification), or high levels of vitamin D.

LARETOL CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients having difficulties moving due to medical conditions, surgeries, or kidney disease. Avoid consuming foods rich in vitamin D.

LARETOL CAPSULE should be used with caution in pregnant and breast-feeding women. LARETOL CAPSULE should be used with caution with elderly patients.

The most common side effect of LARETOL CAPSULE is high levels of calcium in the blood. Consult your doctor if any side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.

USES OF LARETOL CAPSULE

It is used to manage:

• renal osteodystrophy
• menopausal osteoporosis
• hyperparathyroidism
• hypocalcaemia
• hypophosphatemia

HOW LARETOL CAPSULE WORKS

LARETOL CAPSULE acts on cells in the gastrointestinal tract to increase the production of calcium transport proteins (calbindin-D proteins), which results in increased uptake of calcium from the gut into the body. Calcitriol inhibits parathyroid hormone activity by decreasing parathyroid hormone synthesis and release. It promotes the absorption of dietary calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, increases renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, thus reducing the loss of calcium in the urine, and stimulates the release of calcium from bone. For this, it acts on the specific type of bone cells referred to as osteoblasts. This helps to form healthy bones and reduce bone damage.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take LARETOL CAPSULE as directed by your physician. Swallow the whole medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the duration depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LARETOL CAPSULE

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking LARETOL CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• other medicines containing vitamin D
• medicines used to manage high blood pressure (Ex. bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, and indapamide)
• digoxin or digitoxin (used to manage heart disease)
• medicines used to manage indigestion (Ex. magnesium hydroxide)
• medicines used to manage infection and inflammation (Ex. hydrocortisone, prednisolone, and dexamethasone)
• cholestyramine (used to manage high levels of cholesterol)
• medicines containing phosphate
• medicines containing calcium (Ex. calcium carbonate, calcium citrate)
• medicines used to manage fungal infection (Ex. ketoconazole)
• medicines used to manage seizures (Ex. phenytoin)

 B. Drug-Food interactions:

Avoid consuming foods rich in vitamin D, like milk and cheese, as they may increase calcium levels in the blood.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more of LARETOL CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms include high levels of calcium in the blood, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, headaches, inactivity, and drowsiness.

SYNOPSIS

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