Calcitriol
Where is Calcitriol used?
Calcitriol is in the group of drugs known as vitamin D analogs that are used to treat and prevent low levels of calcium. This also helps bone disease in patients whose parathyroid glands or kidneys are not working normally. Calcitriol can also be used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism and metabolic bone disease in people with kidney disease. This medicine helps the body to use more of the calcium found in supplements or foods and regulating the production of parathyroid hormone in the body.
Calcitriol is a man-made active form of Vitamin D and lots of people get sufficient vitamin D from sun exposure and several fortified food products. Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (calcium/phosphorus). Those are needed to build and keep the bones strong. This is usually used along with specific diet recommendations and sometimes with other medications.
How does Calcitriol work?
Calcitriol acts as a hormone in the body. It controls the absorption of phosphate and calcium from the gut. It also controls the levels of phosphate and calcium in the blood as well as the normal healthy turnover of bone.
How is Calcitriol taken?
The prescribed dosage will depend on your condition and response to the treatment. This medication is usually taken once a day. Each dose may be taken with or without food. Your doctor may give you a low starting dose and adjust the dose slowly to find the best dose for you.
Do not take this medication less or more than it is given by your doctor. If you missed a dose, take it right away upon remembering it. If you often missed a dose, it is important to call your doctor. Take this medication regularly for the best benefit from it.
What are the possible side effects of Calcitriol?
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Loss height
- Bone pain
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Changes in behavior
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Lower back pain
- Increased thirst
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth or a metallic taste
- Eye pain or redness
- Eye sensitivity to light
- Diarrhea
- Sleepiness
- Urinating more than usual or changes in the amount of urine
- Heart rate changes (slow, fast, or uneven)
What are the precautions in taking Calcitriol?
- You should not share this with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- Before using this, consult your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding women. This medication may not be recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Let your doctor know if you have any medical history or current treatments/medications. This medicine may interact with other drugs and may cause complications.
- Follow the diet plan that your doctor told you about. Do not change or adjust it without consulting your doctor.
- Talk with your doctor to see if you need to drink extra fluids while you are taking this medication. Doing so may help your condition improve faster.
- Keep this medication away from the reach of children, heat, moisture, or direct light.
