What is Calcitriol ?
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 or issues with their parathyroid gland, which secretes parathyroid hormone and regulates the amount of calcium in the blood. Calcium plays an important role in bone health, and low calcium levels can lead to bone disease. Calcitriol boosts calcium levels in the bloodstream by rising calcium absorption in the kidneys, calcium and phosphorus absorption from the intestine, and calcium and phosphorus release from the bones. Calcitriol supports the body's utilisation of calcium contained in food.
Calcitriol Uses
Calcitriol is a vitamin D active form that has been synthesised by humans. The majority of people get enough vitamin D from sun exposure and fortified foods (e.g., dairy products, vitamins). Vitamin D aids in the regulation of parathyroid hormone as well as the levels of certain minerals (calcium, phosphorus) needed for the formation and maintenance of strong bones. The liver and kidneys must convert normal vitamin D to the active form before it can be used by the body. Calcitriol is used to treat patients with kidney disease who are unable to produce the sufficiently active form of Vitamin D. This medicine is also used to prevent and treat calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid complications that may arise as a result of long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism.
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
Some of the common and serious side effects of Calcitriol are:
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.
Dosage
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.
Interactions
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.
Overdose
It's unlikely that taking an extra dose of Calcitriol can harm you. You can, however, experience side effects such as stomach cramps, being sick, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your 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.
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).
Warnings
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:
If the benefits outweigh the risks, use calcitriol with caution during pregnancy. Animal studies suggest a risk, but human studies are either unavailable or have not been performed. So avoid taking the medication or talk with your doctor before using the medications.
The medication can pass into the breastmilk and can lead to some serious side effects in the 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:
|
Some of the common side effects of Alfacalcidol are:
|
