Calcitriol

Indications

Managing hypocalcemia in patients undergoing dialysis for chronic renal failure.

Dosage

Recommended initial dose of calcitriol is 0.5mcg, administered three times weekly, every other day.

Contra-Indications

Hypercalcemia; evidence of vitamin D toxicity; malabsorption syndrome; hypervitaminosis D; abnormal sensitivity to the effects of vitamin D; decreased renal function.

Special Precautions

Pediatric doses must be individualized and monitored under close medical supervision. Idiopathic hypercalcemia, renal function impairment, pregnancy, lactation. Coronary disease renal function inpairment and arteriosclerois, especially in the elderly. Hypoparathyroidism.

Side Effects

Dry mouth, muscle pain, polydipsia, anorexia, reversible azotemia, vomiting, pancreatitis, mild acidosis, metallic taste, rhinorrhea.

Drug Interactions

Hypermagnesemia may develop in patients on chronic renal dialysis. Hypercalcemia in patients on digitalis may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Intestinal absorption of calcitriol may be reduced by cholestyramine. Phenytoin, barbiturates may decrease the half-life of calcitriol. Hypoparathyroid patients on calcitriol may develop hypercalcemia due to thiazide diuretics.