Calcitrol

Indications of Calcitrol Capsule

• Established postmenopausal osteoporosis.
• Renal osteodystrophy in patients with chronic renal failure, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis.
• Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism.
• Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism.
• Pseudohypoparathyroidism.
• Vitamin D-dependent rickets.
• Hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets.

 

Pharmacology of Calcitrol Capsule

Calcitriol is one of vitamin D3's most significant active metabolites. It is typically derived from its precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, in the kidneys. Calcitriol increases calcium absorption in the intestine and controls bone mineralization. Calcitriol's main function is to regulate calcium homeostasis, which involves stimulation of osteoblastic activity in the skeleton.

 

Dosage & Administration of Calcitrol Capsule

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.

 

Interaction of Calcitrol Capsule

Concurrent use of thiazide diuretics raises the risk of hypercalcemia. Calcitriol dose must be set with caution in patients receiving digitalis therapy, since hypercalcemia may induce cardiac arrhythmias. Hypermagnesemia can be caused by magnesium-containing medications (e.g., antiacids).

 

Contraindications

Calcitriol is not recommended for people who have a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components. Calcitriol is also contraindicated in all hypercalcemia-related illnesses.

 

Side Effects of Calcitrol Capsule

Anorexia, headache, vomiting, and constipation are all possible symptoms. Dystrophy, fever, polyuria, dehydration, apathy, and urinary tract infection are some of the long-term consequences.

 

Pregnancy & Lactation

In humans, there is no evidence that vitamin D is teratogenic. Calcitriol should only be taken during pregnancy if the benefits exceed the risks to the fetus. Mothers may breastfeed while taking Calcitriol, but their and their infant's blood calcium levels should be monitored.

 

Precautions & Warnings

If blood calcium levels rise to 1 mg/100 ml over normal or serum creatinine levels rise to >120 mol/l during Calcitriol therapy, the dosage of Calcitriol should be significantly decreased or treatment halted.

 

Therapeutic Class

Vitamins and Minerals

 

Storage Conditions

keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

 

Pharmaceutical Name of Calcitrol Capsule

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd

 

Generic of Calcitrol Capsule

Calcitriol