Medicine Information

encatrol

Name: encatrol
Brand: encatrol
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Capsule0.25 mcgVitamin D Analogue, Agents for hypocalcemiaATC: A11CC04

Generic Name

Calcitriol

Manufacturer

Global Pharma Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
encatrol 025 mcg capsule	৳ 10.00	৳ 100.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Calcitriol is the active form of Vitamin D3, primarily responsible for maintaining calcium and phosphorus balance in the body. It helps in the absorption of calcium from the intestine and regulates its deposition in bones. Encatrol-025-mcg-capsule is used to treat conditions caused by a disturbance in calcium metabolism.

Uses & Indications

Management of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis.

Treatment of established postmenopausal osteoporosis (in combination with other therapies).

Management of hypoparathyroidism (post-surgical, idiopathic, and pseudohypoparathyroidism).

Treatment of Vitamin D dependent rickets and hypophosphatemic rickets.

Dosage

Adults

Initial dose typically 0.25 mcg once daily. Dosage may be adjusted based on serum calcium levels and clinical response, usually every 2-4 weeks. Maintenance doses range from 0.25-1 mcg daily or every other day.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment is generally required, but caution should be exercised due to potential age-related decrease in renal function. Close monitoring of calcium levels is recommended.

Renal_impairment

For patients on chronic renal dialysis, initial dose 0.25 mcg daily or every other day. May be increased by 0.25 mcg increments at 2-4 week intervals. Maximum recommended dose is 0.5 mcg daily.

How to Take

Take Encatrol-025-mcg-capsule orally, with or without food, as directed by your physician. Do not crush or chew the capsule; swallow it whole.

Mechanism of Action

Calcitriol binds to vitamin D receptors in target tissues, promoting the absorption of dietary calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, and regulating bone mineralization. It also plays a role in parathyroid hormone secretion.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of action is typically within 3-6 hours.

Excretion

Excreted mainly via feces (as unabsorbed drug and metabolites) and urine.

Half life

Elimination half-life is approximately 5-8 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Metabolism

Metabolized primarily in the liver and kidneys.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood).
Vitamin D toxicity.
Hypersensitivity to calcitriol or any component of the formulation.

Drug Interactions

Corticosteroids

May antagonize the effects of calcitriol.

Thiazide Diuretics

May increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Digitalis Glycosides

Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias due to hypercalcemia.

Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., Cholestyramine)

May impair absorption of calcitriol.

Phosphate-binding agents (e.g., aluminum-containing antacids)

Concurrent use may lead to hypermagnesemia in dialysis patients, or hyperphosphatemia if not managed.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not freeze.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include hypercalcemia (nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, weakness, confusion, polyuria). Management involves immediate discontinuation of the drug, initiation of a low calcium diet, and appropriate hydration. In severe cases, corticosteroids or dialysis may be necessary.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is unknown if calcitriol is excreted in human milk; use with caution in nursing mothers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 Capsules30 Capsules

Shelf Life

24 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Available in pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities worldwide

Patent Status

Generic available

Clinical Trials

Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of calcitriol in various indications, particularly in renal osteodystrophy and hypoparathyroidism. Ongoing research explores its role in other conditions.

Lab Monitoring

Serum calcium levels (at least twice weekly during initial therapy, then monthly once stable).
Serum phosphorus levels (regularly).
Serum magnesium and alkaline phosphatase (periodically).
24-hour urinary calcium (periodically).

Doctor Notes

Emphasize strict monitoring of serum calcium, phosphate, and creatinine levels during treatment.
Educate patients on symptoms of hypercalcemia and the importance of adhering to prescribed diet and medication regimen.
Adjust dose incrementally based on biochemical parameters and clinical response to avoid overdose.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take other vitamin D supplements or calcium supplements without consulting your doctor.
Report any symptoms of hypercalcemia (e.g., nausea, vomiting, excessive thirst, frequent urination) immediately to your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Encatrol-025-mcg-capsule generally does not impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience side effects like confusion or weakness, avoid these activities.