Calcitriol
Calcitriol Information

About Calcitriol

Calcitriol is a 1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (vitamin D), a fat soluble sterol, sometimes considered to be hormone or hormone precursor. Vitamin D is involved in promoting normal bone development in body by regulating calcium, phosphorus and minerals. Vitamin D is a secosteroid and sometimes popularly known as the 'sunshine vitamin' because formed in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the influence of ultraviolet irradiation. Calcitriol is also found in certain food. Fish liver oils, especially code liver oil are good sources of vitamin D. Calcitriol has been used in the management of psoriasis.

Indications

Calcitriol is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypocalcaemia, Hypophosphataemia, Oncogenic hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, Renal tubular osteomalacia, Sporadic hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, Uraemic osteodystrophy, Uremic osteodystrophy, Vitamin D-dependent rickets, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Neonatal hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia, Osteomalacia in malabsorption syndrome, Osteoporosis, Psoriasis, Rickets in premature infants, X-linked hypophosphataemic osteomalacia.

Contraindication

Calcitriol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypercalcaemia.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Calcitriol, which give rise to further complications include Urinary calcium stone formation, Urinary calcium stone formation.Calcitriol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Depression of CNS, Coma, Ectopic mineralization. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Calcitriol therapy.

Warnings

Evaluate Vit.D administration in fortified food, diet and drugs. It may be necessary to limit dietary Vit.D during treatment. If products of Vit.D contain tartrazine may cause allergic reaction (Including bronchial asthma) in susceptible individuals, Specially patients with aspirin hypersensitivity.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.