Calcitriol: Administration, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions and Storage

It is the active form of vitamin D found in the body.

It is a composition of vitamin D that is used by patients with kidney diseases , which prevent the body from developing by itself a sufficient amount of the active form of this vitamin.

Calcitriol is also used by patients who suffer from insufficiency or problems with:

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  • Parathyroids that can occur with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism.

This vitamin D composition is generally used accompanied by another medication and with a specific diet to take advantage of all its advantages and achieve the result desired by the treating physician.

The vitamin D that the human body needs is usually obtained through exposure to the sun or through food products that must be present in a healthy diet, such as dairy products.

This vitamin is necessary for the body because it controls parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals that keep bones strong, such as:

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Calcitriol administration

Calcitriol should be ingested orally, once a day, with or without food or as directed by the treating physician.

This composition of vitamin D can be indicated in its liquid presentation or in pills, if the patient is using the liquid form, they must measure the dose with a special spoon or meter to ensure the exact amount.

You should not use a household spoon because you run the risk of not obtaining the proper dose and this affects the effectiveness of the treatment.

The dosage prescribed by the treating physician will depend on the treatment, condition or deficiency that the patient’s body presents.

Under no circumstances should the patient increase or decrease the dosage unless the doctor indicates it, otherwise this may have negative health effects or decrease the effectiveness of the treatment.

Generally, the doctor will start the treatment with small doses and depending on the results, the amount will increase depending on the evolution and behavior of the patient’s body.

To obtain greater and better benefits, the patient must follow the instructions provided by the doctor and among them is the diet or the suggestions for eating habits that the patient must acquire in the specified time.

The use of other supplements containing calcium or vitamin D is not recommended, unless indicated by the treating physician.

Side effects

Calcitriol does not generate serious side effects, however the patient should contact his doctor if he presents the following symptoms:

  • Joint pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle discomfort
  • Constipation.
  • Back pain.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Acceleration of the heartbeat
  • Redness on the body or on the face and neck.
  • Severe and prolonged headache.
  • Threw up.
  • Sickness.
  • Difficulty getting to sleep.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Body weakness
  • Renal problems.
  • Increased thirst.

It is not usual for Calcitriol to generate serious allergic reactions, but if the patient presents the following symptoms, they should stop using it or contact their doctor:

  • Swelling around the eyes, throat, mouth, and tongue.
  • Redness of the face and neck.
  • Difficulty breathing smoothly.
  • Frequent dizziness
  • Rash on the extremities of the body.
  • Itch.
  • Cardiac arrhythmia.

Calcitriol Precautions

The patient should inform the doctor if he is allergic to vitamin D or calcium supplements before starting treatment.

In the same way, it must be indicated if:

  • You have heart disease.
  • If you have kidney disease or kidney stones.

It is unknown if Calcitriol has any counterproductive effect for women who are in a state or in the unborn, in the same way it is unknown if its components pass into breast milk, so the woman who is under treatment should tell her doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

The interaction of this composition of vitamin D in conjunction with other medications can change the operation or effectiveness of both, so the patient should tell his doctor what additional treatment is being performed and what are the conditions that present.

Medications or products that can eliminate the effects of Calcitriol are:

  • Ketoconazole.
  • Phenobarbital.
  • Phenytoin

Among the drugs or products that can interact without generating side effects or counterproducers are:

  • Digoxin.
  • Antacids
  • Milk of magnesia.
  • Phosphorus binders.
  • Vitamins

Calcitriol storage

This vitamin D composition can be stored in spaces that are under room temperature, out of contact with moisture or sunlight. It does not need to be refrigerated and should be out of the reach of children or household pets.