Calcitriol is a drug to treat and prevent calcium deficiency and bone disease, especially in patients with kidney and kidney disorders ona gland that produces calcium-regulating hormone (parathyroid).
Calcitriol is a vitamin D analogue that works by helping the body absorb more calcium from food or supplements. This drug will also help regulate the production of parathyroid hormone.
To obtain better results, the use of calcitriol is usually accompanied by a healthy diet and sometimes in combination with other supplements or drugs.
Calcitriol trademark: Calcitriol, Calesco, Kolkatriol, Oscal, Ostovel, Ostriol, Triocol
What is Calcitriol
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Vitamin D analogues |
| Benefit | Overcoming and preventing calcium deficiency and bone disease in patients with impaired kidney function and parathyroid glands |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Calcitriol for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Calcitriol can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Precautions Before Taking Calcitriol
Follow the doctor's recommendations and advice during treatment with calcitriol. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Do not take calcitriol if you have an allergy to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or are currently suffering from liver disease, heart disease, or kidney disease, including kidney stones.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood).
- Tell your doctor if you are on dialysis or hemodialysis.
- Tell your doctor if you have recently had surgery or have been immobile for a long time.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking calcitriol.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Calcitriol
The dose of calcitriol that your doctor prescribes can be different for each patient. The following is the dosage of calcitriol based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Hypocalcemia in patients with chronic renal failure
- Mature:0.25 mcg, 1-2 times.
- Children: 0.25–2 mcg, once daily.
Condition: Hypoparathyroid
- Mature:0.25 mcg, once daily. Maintenance dose 0.5–2 mcg, once daily.
- Children aged <1 year: 0.04–0.08 mcg/kg, once daily.
- Children aged 1–5 years: 0.25–0.75 mcg, once daily.
- Children >6 years old:0.5–2 mcg, once daily.
Condition: Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to impaired renal function
- Mature: 0.25–0.5 mcg, once daily.
- Children <3 years old: 0.01–0.015 mcg/kg once daily.
- Children aged 3 years: 0.25–0.5 mcg, once daily.
How to Take Calcitriol Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before taking calcitriol. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Calcitriol can be taken after or before meals. Try to take calcitriol regularly at the same time every day, for maximum effect.
Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
If you forget to take calcitriol, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose
Store calcitriol at room temperature and in a closed container to avoid exposure to sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.
Calcitriol Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if you take calcitriol with other medicines:
- Increases risk of developing hypercalcemia when used with thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide
- Increases the risk of developing hypermagnesemia in patients on dialysis if used with medications containing magnesium, such as antacids
- Decreased absorption of calcitriol when used with cholestyramine or sevelamer
- Decreased effectiveness of carcitriol when used with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or corticosteroids
- Increases risk of arrhythmias when used with digitalis drugs
- Increases the risk of drug side effects when used with other vitamin D-containing products
Calcitriol Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may arise after taking calcitriol are:
- Headache
- dry mouth
- Arrhythmia
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle and bone pain
- Weak
- Pain or difficulty urinating
- Irregular heartbeat
Check with your doctor if you experience any of the side effects mentioned above or have an allergic reaction to a medication, which can be characterized by a swollen and itchy rash, swelling of the lips or eyelids, or difficulty breathing.