What is Calcitriol? Uses, effects, side effects & warnings

What is Calcitriol?

Calcitriol Calcitriol is a type of vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from your stomach.Calcitriol can be used to treat excessive parathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and metabolic bone diseases in people suffering from long-term renal failure who do not receive dialysis.

Calcitriol can also treat calcium deficiencies in patients who suffer from hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) due to surgery or illness, as well as other issues.

Calcitriol can also be used in the treatment of calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) and metabolic bone diseases in those who are on dialysis.Calcitriol is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guide to medication.

Side effects of Calcitriol

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,

Calcitriol can cause severe adverse consequences. Stop taking calcitriol immediately and consult your physician immediately when you experience:

Dehydration symptoms: feeling extremely thirsty, hot, or sweaty and not being able to urinate; excessive sweating; or dry and hot skin;
Excessive calcium levels-high calcium levels-nausea, vomiting, constipation, more thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain or confusion, loss of energy or fatigue feeling
low calcium levels: muscle spasms or contractions, numbness, or tingling sensations (around your mouth or on your toes and fingers).

Calcitriol may affect the growth of children. Inform your doctor that your child isn't growing as normal when taking calcitriol.

This isn't an exhaustive listing of all the possible adverse effects. Other side effects may be experienced. Talk to your doctor on medical adverse reactions. You are able to report any adverse reactions in writing to your FDA via 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

This medicine is recommended if there are excessive levels of vitamin D or calcium in your blood or if you've ever experienced an allergy reaction with calcitriol or other forms of vitamin D.

Before you Take this Drug

Do not apply calcitriol if:

You have high levels of the mineral calcium or vitamin D that are present in your blood.
If you've experienced reactions to an allergen such as calcitriol or any other type of vitamin D,

Inform your doctor of your medical conditions and allergies.

It is unclear if it will cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.It is not recommended to breastfeed when you are taking calcitriol.Avoid giving this medication to an infant without medical guidance.

How to Take Calcitriol?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. The doctor might alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.Calcitriol oral can be taken through the mouth.

Take care when measuring your oral liquid. Utilize the dosing syringe that comes with it or a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Calcitriol injections are given by infusion into the vein. Your healthcare professional will administer your first dose and guide you on how to administer the medicine on your own.

Be sure to read and follow the instructions for use that are included in your medication. Make an injection only when you are prepared to give it. Don't use any medicine that changes color or has particles. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication.You'll require regular medical examinations.Take plenty of water, unless your doctor has instructed you to reduce your intake of fluids.

It is possible that you will need to adhere to specific diets while taking calcitriol. Follow all the directions from your physician or dietitian. Find out about the foods you should consume or avoid in order to manage your illness.

Contact your physician if you are suffering from vomiting or diarrhea or are sweating more frequently than normal. It is possible to become dehydrated when taking calcitriol. This could lead to high blood pressure or a significant electrolyte imbalance, as well as kidney disease.If you require major surgery or are on longer-term restorative bed rest, your dosage or testing requirements could alter. Follow the instructions of your physician.Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Utilize the medicine as quickly as you can; however, take a break from your missed dose if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222The first signs of an overdose could be headaches or fatigue, drowsiness, a dry mouth, or a metallic taste. constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, appetite loss, muscle pain, or bone pain.

Overdose symptoms that may develop late include more drinking, itching, an increase in urinary frequency (especially at night), extreme stomach pain radiating into your back, abnormal heartbeats, a decrease in appetite, losing weight and feeling hot, a decrease in sexual desire, or an inability to go to the bathroom.

What Should be Avoided?

Do not take any other mineral or vitamin supplements unless your physician has instructed you to.

Consult your physician before taking an antacid or a laxative, particularly if you're taking dialysis. The use of anti-inflammatory medications as well as laxatives that contain magnesium can increase the concentration of magnesium in the blood, which can affect your heart and blood pressure.