About calcitriol
Active vitamin D hormone
Used for
- Treats low calcium caused by kidney disease or hypoparathyroidism
- Helps manage bone disease associated with chronic kidney failure
Usual adult dose
Often started at 0.25 micrograms once daily for kidney-related bone disease; dose is adjusted using blood tests. For hypoparathyroidism, dosing is individualized.
Usual dose in children
For children with kidney-related bone disease, often 0.01–0.02 micrograms per kilogram once daily; specialist-supervised adjustment is essential.
Common side effects
- High blood calcium, causing nausea, constipation, weakness, or confusion
- High blood phosphate
- Headache
- Rash or itching
Important warnings
- Blood calcium and phosphate need regular monitoring.
- Excess can cause serious high calcium and kidney damage.
- Avoid extra calcium or vitamin D unless prescribed.
- Use caution with kidney stones or heart disease.
Pregnancy
Use only when needed and under medical supervision; calcium levels require monitoring.
Breastfeeding
May be used with medical supervision; monitor mother and infant for high calcium.
Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics can increase high-calcium risk.
- Digoxin increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms if calcium rises.
- Magnesium-containing antacids may cause high magnesium, especially with kidney disease.
- Cholestyramine can reduce calcitriol absorption.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.