Calcitriol: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Calcitriol is an active form of vitamin D, belonging to the vitamin D derivative class, used to manage disturbances of calcium and bone metabolism associated with chronic kidney disease. It helps improve calcium absorption and is also used for low calcium linked to parathyroid disorders; this medicine requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Calcitriol is the active hormonal form of vitamin D. It acts on vitamin D receptors, helping the intestine absorb calcium and influencing how the body handles phosphate. These minerals are needed for normal bone mineralisation.

Calcitriol can also help reduce raised parathyroid hormone levels in some people with kidney disease. Its effects on mineral absorption explain why calcium and phosphate monitoring matters during treatment: an excessive effect can raise these minerals beyond the intended levels.

Calcitriol is used to manage secondary hyperparathyroidism and the resulting bone disease in people with moderate to severe chronic kidney failure who have not yet started dialysis. Secondary hyperparathyroidism means that the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone. In people receiving long-term kidney dialysis, it is used for low blood calcium and the associated bone disease.

It is also used for low calcium and its symptoms in people with hypoparathyroidism following surgery, hypoparathyroidism with no identified cause, or pseudohypoparathyroidism. These conditions involve reduced parathyroid hormone production or an impaired response to that hormone.

The label lists oral capsules and liquid-filled oral capsules in strengths of 0.25 ug and 0.5 ug. The label lists intravenous injection at 1 ug/mL, topical ointment at 3 ug/g, and oral solution at 1 ug/mL. The usual starting dose is 0.25 mcg/day for dialysis patients.

The usual starting dose is 0.25 mcg/day given in the morning for hypoparathyroidism. The usual starting dose is 0.25 mcg/day for predialysis adults and children aged 3 years and older. The label lists an increase to 0.5 mcg/day if necessary for this predialysis group.

The oral solution label describes individual dose determination, with treatment beginning at the lowest possible dose and increases requiring careful blood calcium monitoring. It also describes regular assessment of calcium intake, because adequate intake is needed but excessive intake can contribute to raised blood calcium. These oral solution dosing facts do not describe dosing for the injection or ointment.

The oral solution label specifies storage at 25°C, with excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C. Protect the oral solution from light. For other forms, follow the storage directions on the pack and keep medicines out of children's reach.

A missed dose can interrupt the intended treatment schedule, but an extra dose can increase the risk of excessive calcium levels. General pharmacy advice is not to double a dose to make up for one missed. A pharmacist or prescriber can explain how to resume the prescribed schedule, particularly if the next dose is approaching or several doses have been missed.

There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of calcitriol in pregnant women. The label states that use during pregnancy should occur only when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies found developmental abnormalities and other adverse effects.

Mild, temporary high calcium was reported in a newborn following high maternal doses during pregnancy. The label does not specify breastfeeding data; discuss breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.