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Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is a vitamin stored in the body that is needed for building and keeping strong bones. Calcitriol is used to treat or prevent certain problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis, such as low levels of calcium or high levels of parathyroid hormone. Calcitriol is usually used along with a certain diet, supplements, and sometimes other medications.Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (e.g., dairy products, vitamins). Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. People with kidney disease cannot make enough of the active form of vitamin D. This medication works by affecting parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and increasing blood calcium levels.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Calcitriol
Uses
Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is a vitamin stored in the body that is needed for building and keeping strong bones. Calcitriol is used to treat or prevent certain problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis, such as low levels of calcium or high levels of parathyroid hormone. Calcitriol is usually used along with a certain diet, supplements, and sometimes other medications.Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (e.g., dairy products, vitamins). Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. People with kidney disease cannot make enough of the active form of vitamin D. This medication works by affecting parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and increasing blood calcium levels.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, parathyroid levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.It is important to closely follow your doctor's diet orders while taking this medication.
- Foods rich in vitamin D include: fortified dairy products, eggs, sardines, cod liver oil, chicken livers, and freshwater fish.
- Vitamin D is also obtained from short periods of exposure to the sun.
- Calcium supplements may be recommended in addition to this medication.
- The usual recommendation for calcium is 600-1200 milligrams per day.
- Discuss this with your doctor.
- Do not take supplements unless directed by your doctor.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, unusually deep sleep.
How To Use
- Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package.
- If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.This medication is given by injection into a vein, usually by a health care professional 3 times a week (every other day), or during dialysis, or as directed by your doctor.
- The dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy.
- Your doctor will do blood tests to find the best dose for you.It is very important to follow the diet recommended by your doctor to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects.
- Do not take other supplements/vitamins (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) unless directed by your doctor.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
- Nausea, headache, constipation, or pain/discomfort at the injection site may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: back/bone/joint/muscle pain, dry mouth, metallic taste, vomiting, sleepiness, weakness.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, dizziness, eye pain/redness/sensitivity to light, fever, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, decreased interest in sex, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), stomach/abdominal pain, swelling of the ankles/feet/hands (edema), increased thirst, change in the amount of urine, weight loss.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before using calcitriol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), kidney disease, kidney stones.Notify your doctor beforehand if you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair/bed (immobile) for a long time.
- Being immobile for long periods increases your risk of side effects.Be sure to drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
- Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because a very serious interaction may occur: other vitamin D products (e.g., ergocalciferol).If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting calcitriol.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin, digitalis), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), magnesium-containing medications (e.g., antacids, milk of magnesia), phosphate binders, "water pills" (e.g., thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), vitamins/nutritional supplements (especially calcium and vitamin D).Check the labels on all your prescription and nonprescription/herbal products (e.g., antacids, laxatives, vitamins) because they may contain calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and vitamin D.
- Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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