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1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D that is used to treat and prevent low levels of calcium in the blood of patients whose kidneys or parathyroid glands (glands in the neck that release natural substances to control the amount of calcium in the blood) are not working normally. Low blood levels of calcium may cause bone disease. 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is in a class of medications called vitamins. It works by helping the body to use more of the calcium found in foods or supplements.
1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol comes as a capsule and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day or once every other day in the morningwith or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and may gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 2-8 weeks. 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol may help to control your condition but will not cure it. Continue to take 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking cacitriol without talking to your doctor. |