What is Calcitriol
CalcitriolThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCalcitriol is a form of vitamin D that is produced in the body when 7-dehydrocholesterol is exposed to UV light. It is then converted to vitamin D3 in the skin, and then to calcitriol in the liver and kidneys. Calcitriol helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood and is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, and psoriasis. It can be taken orally or intravenously and is sold under the brand names Rocaltrol, Calcijex, and Decostriol.
Calcitriolis the brand name
Calcitriol Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Calcitriol
Calcitriol
2001
85
Effectiveness
How Calcitriol Affects PatientsCalcitriol is an active form of vitamin D used to help maintain healthy bones and regulate calcium levels in the body. It can also be used to treat certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. When taken, the effects of one dose of calcitriol will last for 3-5 days. It works by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed from food and the amount of calcium released from bones, as well as by suppressing cell growth in some types of cancer cells. Calcitriol can also be used in combination with other drugs to enhance their anti-cancer effects. Vitamin D deficiency is thought to increase the risk of tuberculosis, and calcitri
How Calcitriol works in the bodyCalcitriol is used to treat psoriasis and has anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory effects. It works by binding to vitamin D receptors in cells, which then activate certain genes to suppress inflammation and tumor growth. It also affects certain immune cells and cytokines, which helps reduce inflammation. Calcitriol also suppresses the expression of a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in pro-inflammatory cells, which helps to reduce inflammation.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Calcitriol is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, for example Plaque Psoriasis, Vitamin D Resistant Rickets and Chronic Kidney Disease. The dosage likewise fluctuates as indicated by the method of delivery featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hemodialysis
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Chronic Kidney Disease
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Psoriasis Vulgaris
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Vitamin D Resistant Rickets
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Hypoparathyroidism
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Hypocalcemia
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Osteodystrophy
, 0.0005 mg, 0.002 mg/mL, 0.000003 mg/mg, 0.00025 mg, 0.001 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL, 2.0 mg/mg
Capsule, gelatin coated, , Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Solution, Injection, solution, Injection - Intravenous, Solution - Oral, Oral, Solution - Intravenous, Ointment - Topical, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Injection, Capsule - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, solution - Intravenous, Topical, Kit, Ointment
Warnings
Calcitriol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
evidence of vitamin D toxicity
Do Not Combine
Hypercalcemia
Do Not Combine
Common Calcitriol Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be increased when combined with Calcitriol.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be increased when combined with Calcitriol.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be increased when combined with Calcitriol.
Alpelisib
Major
The metabolism of Alpelisib can be increased when combined with Calcitriol.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be increased when combined with Calcitriol.
Calcitriol Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe most toxic dose of calcitriol in rats has been found to be 620 micrograms/kg. Symptoms of calcitriol toxicity are similar to those of vitamin D poisoning, including weakness, headache, fatigue, stomach upset, dry mouth, muscle pain, bone pain, increased urination and thirst, loss of appetite, weight loss, conjunctivitis, and abnormal heart rhythms. In rare cases, the toxicity can cause psychosis.
Calcitriol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Calcitriol?
30 active studies are investigating the potential of Calcitriol for Hemodialysis, Hypocalcemia and Plaque Psoriasis treatment.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hemodialysis
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypocalcemia
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3
Psoriasis Vulgaris
19 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2
Osteodystrophy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Vitamin D Resistant Rickets
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypoparathyroidism
9 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Chronic Kidney Disease
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 3
Calcitriol Reviews: What are patients saying about Calcitriol?
5Patient Review
3/20/2010 This medication has been essential for me. Without it, I experience a lot of pain in my muscles and joints. I know this is something I'll have to take for the rest of my life, but I wish it was more affordable.
5Patient Review
8/27/2019 I had primary hyperparathyroidism and had to have 3 1/2 glands removed. This left me with hypoparathyroidism and hungry bone syndrome, which made it extremely difficult to keep my calcium levels stable. Calcitrol has been a lifesaver for me. I've been on it for about a year now, and it's helped me immensely.
5Patient Review
2/11/2013 I have hypoparathyroidism as a result of my surgeon removing them during a lcitrol. Methyroidectomy does nothing for me, and I am constantly in an out of the hospital for IV calcium.
5Patient Review
6/4/2010 My rheumatologist prescribed Calcitriol for me after my blood tests showed that I had scleroderma, which affects my Vitamin D absorption.
5Patient Review
6/19/20095Patient Review
6/5/2010 I felt dizzy after taking this medication.
5Patient Review
8/29/2010 Calcitriol helps me absorb my calcium supplements, which is great because I really hate having to take it three times a day.
4.7Patient Review
2/2/2012 I was prescribed this medication for issues with my kidneys and it's been working great!
4.7Patient Review
4/19/2011 This treatment is great. It really helped me and I'm grateful for it.
4Patient Review
3/15/20103.7Patient Review
6/22/2011 I'm so glad to have found this medication. It's been such a help, especially given how rare my condition is. I really don't know what I would do without it.
3Patient Review
9/27/2012 I was originally recommended this pill for the active vitamin D. However, I had to stop taking it due a month later when my calcium levels got too high.
3Patient Review
3/16/20103Patient Review
10/17/2011 I had to spend a lot of money to find out that my dog has hyperparathyroidism, but this treatment really helps. It's been a year and she's doing great with it.
1Patient Review
10/1/2009Patient Q&A Section about calcitriol
Which is better vitamin D or calcitriol?
"It was determined in the early 1970's that calcitriol was the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol is over 1,000 times as potent as Vitamin D2 and D3 in binding to the vitamin D receptor." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is calcitriol and vitamin D the same?
"The most active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, only lasts for a few hours. It was originally thought that it was only produced in the kidney, but it is now known to be produced in many other tissues as well." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the use of calcitriol?
"Calcitriol is used to treat low levels of calcium and bone disease in patients who have kidney or parathyroid gland disorders." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the main effect of calcitriol?
"The only way that the body can increase its calcium stores is by increasing the production of calcium transport proteins in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to increased uptake of calcium from the gut." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer