Calcitriol is one of the most important active metabolites of vitamin D3. It is normally formed in the kidneys from its precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Calcitriol promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and regulates bone mineralization. The key role of Calcitriol is the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which includes stimulation effects on osteoblastic activity in the skeleton.

Calcitriol is indicated in-

• Post-menopausal osteoporosis
• Renal osteodystrophy
• Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism
• Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
• Pseudohypoparathyroidism
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis)
• Vitamin D dependent rickets

The optimal daily dose of Calcitriol capsule must be carefully determined for each patient on the basis of serum calcium level.

In Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: The recommended dose of Calcitriol capsule is 0.25 mcg twice daily.

In Renal Osteodystrophy (dialysis patients): The initial daily dose is 0.25 mcg of Calcitriol capsule. In patients with normal or only slightly reduced calcium levels, doses of 0.25 mcg every other day are sufficient.

In Hypoparathyroidism and Rickets: The recommended initial dosage of Calcitriol capsule is 0.25 mcg/day which given in the morning. If within 2-4 weeks satisfactory response is not observed by usual dose then dose may be increased at 2-4 weeks intervals.

The recommended intravenous initial dose of Calcitriol injection, depending on the severity of the hypocalcemia and/or secondary hyperparathyroidism, is 1 mcg (0.02 mcg/kg) to 2 mcg administered three times weekly, approximately every other day. Doses as small as 0.5 mcg and as large as 4 mcg three times weekly have been used as an initial dose. If a satisfactory response is not observed, the dose may be increased by 0.5 to 1 mcg at two to four week intervals.

Calcitriol is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. Calcitriol is also contraindicated in all diseases associated with hypercalcemia.

Occasional symptoms include anorexia, headache, vomiting and constipation. Chronic effects may include dystrophy, fever, polyuria, dehydration, apathy and urinary tract infection.

During Calcitriol therapy if the serum calcium levels rise to 1 mg/100 ml above normal or serum creatinine rises to >120 µmol/l, the dosage of Calcitriol should be substantially reduced or treatment stopped.

Use in Special Populations

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis)-

• The recommended initial dosage of Calcitriol is 0.25 mcg/day in adults and pediatric patients 3 years of age or older. This dosage may be increased if necessary to 0.5 mcg/day.
• For pediatric patients less than 3 years of age, the recommended initial dosage of Calcitriol is 10 to 15 ng/kg/day.
• In Elderly: No dosage adjustment are required.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is no evidence that vitamin D is teratogenic in humans. Calcitriol may be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. Mothers may breast feed while taki