Calcitriol is a man-made form of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Calcitriol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones.

Calcitriol is indicated in the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiencies, such as, osteomalacia and rickets (in children). As well, it is used in the management of hypocalcemia associated with hypoparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy, hyperparathyroidism secondary to

Calcitriol (1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) is a vitamin D metabolite which is normally produced in the kidneys from its immediate precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol.

In the normal situation Calcitriol controls the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and plays an important part in the regulation of bone mineralisation. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys produce insufficient Calcitriol and this leads to abnormalities of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

Oral administration of Calcitriol to

Adults
For People on Dialysis
The suggested beginning dose of Calcitriol is 0.25 microgram daily. Your doctor may increase the dose by 0.25 microgram daily at 4 to 8 week intervals if needed. Most people on dialysis require a dose of 0.5 to 1 microgram a day.

People with normal or only slightly low blood calcium levels may find it helpful to take 0.25 microgram every other day.

For Low Calcium Levels Due to Hypoparathyroidism
The suggested beginning dose of Calcitriol is 0.25 microgram daily, taken in the morning. Your

If Calcitriol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Calcitriol with the following:
Antacids containing magnesium, such as Maalox
Calcium supplements
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Digitalis (Lanoxin)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Steroid medications such as prednisone
Thiazide water pills such as Dyazide and Hydrodiuril
Vitamin D pills

Most Important Fact about Calcitriol
While you are taking Calcitriol , your doctor may want you to follow a special diet or take calcium supplements. This is an important part of your therapy. On the other hand, too high a calcium level can be harmful. If you are already taking any medications containing calcium or calcium supplements, make sure you doctor knows about it.

Calcitriol precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The safety of Calcitriol in pregnancy has not been established. Calcitriol

More common side effects of Calcitriol may include:

• bone pain,
• constipation,
• dry mouth,
• extreme sleepiness,
• headache,
• loss of appetite,
• metallic taste,
• muscle pain,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• weakness
• apathy,
• decreased sex drive,
• elevated blood cholesterol levels,
• excessive urination,
• extremely high body temperature,
• high blood pressure,
• inflamed eyes,
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