What is Calcitriol?
Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), is used to treat and prevent low blood calcium levels in patients with kidney failure or parathyroid gland issues.
It enhances calcium absorption in the kidneys and intestines and promotes calcium release from bones, crucial for bone health.
Calcitriol supports the body's utilization of dietary calcium to maintain optimal calcium levels.
Calcitriol Uses
- Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D synthesized by humans, essential for regulating parathyroid hormone and maintaining calcium and phosphorus levels necessary for bone health.
- While most people obtain sufficient vitamin D from sun exposure and fortified foods, some individuals with kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism may require supplementation.
- Vitamin D must undergo conversion in the liver and kidneys to its active form, calcitriol, before being utilized by the body.
- Calcitriol is specifically used to treat patients with kidney disease who cannot produce enough active vitamin D and to manage complications of long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism, such as calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid imbalances.
How to use Calcitriol?
Take this drug orally once a day, with or without food, or as instructed by your doctor. Use a special measuring spoon or device to measure the dosage if you're using the liquid form. If you use a regular household spoon, you might not get the right dosage.
Dosage is dictated by your medical condition and therapy reaction. Your doctor can begin with a low dose and gradually increase it to find the best dose for you.
Follow the doctor's instructions to the letter. To get the most satisfaction from this drug, take it on a daily basis. Take it at the same time every day to help you remember.
Side Effects of Calcitriol
Some of the common and serious side effects of Calcitriol are:
- Weakness
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Dry mouth
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Painful urination
- Changes in vision
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Pale or fatty stools
- Yellowing of the skin
- Runny nose
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
Calcitriol can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
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Get A Second OpinionDosage of Calcitriol
- For treating low calcium due to kidney dialysis, a daily dose of 0.25 mcg is recommended initially.
- Every 4 to 8 weeks, the dose can be raised by 0.25 mcg.
- The majority of patients benefit from 0.5 to 1 mcg per day.
- The oral dosage for hypoparathyroidism treatment is 0.25 mcg to 2 mcg per day.
Overdose
Taking an extra dose of Calcitriol is unlikely to cause harm, but it may lead to side effects like stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Accidental overdose of the medication can have harmful effects on the body's functions.
Missed Dose
As soon as you remember, take the missing dose. If it's time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the daily dosing schedule. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a double dose.
Interactions of Calcitriol
If your doctor has prescribed this medicine, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any potential drug interactions and is keeping an eye on you. Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any drug, consult your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist.
The medication has no serious interactions with other drugs. Some serious interactions of Calcitriol include Idelalisib and ivacaftor. Some moderate interactions of calcitriol are: axitinib, crofelemer, dabrafenib, Dienogest, efavirenz, elvitegravir, iloperidone, linagliptin and mitotane.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
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Book an AppointmentWarnings
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Exercise caution when using calcitriol during pregnancy, considering the balance between benefits and risks.
While animal studies suggest a potential risk, human studies are lacking or inconclusive, prompting the need for careful consideration or consultation with a doctor before use.
Avoid taking calcitriol while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and potentially cause serious side effects in infants.
Calcitriol vs Alfacalcidol
| Calcitriol | Alfacalcidol |
| Calcitriol is a vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) active form that is synthesised. It is used to treat and avoid low calcium levels in the blood in patients with kidney failure. | Alfacalcidol is a Vitamin D-hormone analogue that is activated by liver enzymes in the body. It is converted into the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol), which aids in bone strength and controls the body's other functions. |
| Calcitriol is used to treat patients with kidney disease who are unable to produce a sufficiently active form of Vitamin D. | The medication is used for the treatment of nutritional deficiencies. |
Some of the common and serious side effects of Calcitriol are:
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Some of the common side effects of Alfacalcidol are:
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