About calcitriol
Active vitamin D analogue
Used for
- Treats low calcium and bone disease in people receiving dialysis.
- Treats low parathyroid hormone levels when oral treatment is not suitable.
Usual adult dose
Usually starts at 1 microgram intravenously three times weekly during dialysis; adjusted according to calcium levels and response.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-determined intravenous dosing; varies by age, weight, condition, and blood calcium levels.
Common side effects
- High blood calcium or phosphate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness or headache
- Heart rhythm changes
Important warnings
- Requires regular monitoring of calcium, phosphate, and kidney-related blood tests.
- High calcium can cause confusion, thirst, frequent urination, or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Use cautiously with kidney stones or conditions that increase calcium levels.
- Dose may need adjustment when calcium or vitamin D intake changes.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; adequate human safety information is limited.
Breastfeeding
Human data are limited; monitoring for high calcium may be needed.
Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics can increase the risk of high blood calcium.
- Digoxin may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythms if calcium rises.
- Magnesium-containing products may cause high magnesium, especially with kidney disease.
- Other vitamin D products or calcium supplements can raise calcium levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.