Medicines/Generics/Calcitriol

Calcitriol

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview

Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D3 . Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from the stomach. Calcitriol is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and metabolic bone disease in people who have chronic kidney failure and are not receiving dialysis. Calcitriol is also used to treat calcium deficiency in people with hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) caused by surgery, disease, or other conditions. Calcitriol is also used to treat calcium deficiency ( hypocalcemia ) and metabolic bone disease in people who are receiving dialysis. Calcitriol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Indications

Contraindications

You should not use calcitriol if: you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood; or you have had an allergic reaction to calcitriol or other forms of vitamin D. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies. It is not known whether calcitriol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not breastfeed while using calcitriol. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Calcitriol may cause serious side effects. Stop using calcitriol and call your doctor at once if you have: dehydration symptoms --feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; high calcium levels --nausea, vomiting, constipation , increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, lack of energy, or tired feeling; or low calcium level --muscle spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes). Calcitriol can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using calcitriol. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to calcitriol or other forms of vitamin D.

High Risk Groups

You should not use this medicine if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to calcitriol or other forms of vitamin D.

Adult Dosage

0.25 to 1 mcg (0.62 (0.625)) 24 hourly PO —

Child Dosage

0.01 to 0.05 ug/kg (0.03 (0.03)) 24 hourly Oral — -

Neonatal Dosage

0.01 to 0.05 ug/kg (0.03 (0.03)) 24 hourly Oral — -

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: cholestyramine ; digoxin, digitalis; ketoconazole ; a diuretic or "water pill" -- hydrochlorothiazide , HCTZ, Diovan HCT , Hyzaar, Maxzide, Tenoretic, Zestoretic , and others; seizure medicine -- phenobarbital , phenytoin; or steroid medicine --prednisone, dexamethasone , fluticasone , and others. This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect calcitriol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products . Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Storage

Caps Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Heat.