Do you have any kidney problems? Or has your doctor told you that your calcium level is low? Then you have probably been prescribed this medicine called 'Calcitriol'. Many people have a little problem when they hear this name, "What is this medicine? Why have I been given this?" So let's talk today to find answers to these questions of yours. Very simply, we will talk about everything about this medicine in a way that you can understand.
What is this Calcitriol?
Simply put, calcitriol is a special, active form of vitamin D. The vitamin D we normally take cannot be used directly by the body. Our kidneys need to convert it into its active form, calcitriol.
However, in a person with kidney disease, because their kidneys are not working properly, this process does not happen properly. Then the calcium level in the body decreases. That's when doctors directly give you this active vitamin D, which is a medicine called calcitriol.
The main things that change from this are:
- Increasing the low calcium levels in your body.
- It helps people with parathyroid gland disorders. This medicine also helps control the levels of hormones secreted by these glands.
You may also often see this medication under the brand name 'Rocaltrol'.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. You should especially mention the following.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| You already have kidney disease. | Since this medicine is mainly given for kidney diseases, the dosage should be determined based on the nature of your disease. |
| Having a disease of the parathyroid gland. | Because this medication affects parathyroid hormone levels, it is essential that your doctor is aware of your condition. |
| If you are receiving dialysis treatment. | Since calcium and phosphorus levels in dialysis patients often fluctuate, medication dosages need to be adjusted accordingly. |
| Having an allergy to something. | Be sure to tell us if you have any allergies to calcitriol, vitamin D, other medications, foods, preservatives, or colorings. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. | Any medication should be taken with extreme caution during pregnancy. Therefore, it is imperative to inform the doctor about this. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother. | Since the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, talk to your doctor about this as well. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple.
- Swallow this medicine with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the label of the medicine you are prescribed exactly .
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will reduce the chance of missing a dose.
- Never take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
If you give this medicine to children...
This medicine can be prescribed by a doctor for children, especially those over one year old, for some selected medical conditions. But it should be done with great care and only on medical advice. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor carefully and find out the details.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you should, don't delay . There are two things you should do immediately.
1. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
2. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Most important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you. It may be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Missing a dose of medicine can happen to anyone. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time . Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Calcitriol is a medication that can interact with some other medications and supplements, so it's important to be aware of this.
| Do not take Calcitriol with these. | |
|---|---|
| Burosumab | Vitamin D supplements |
| If you are taking these medications, inform your doctor. | |
|---|---|
| Calcium supplements | Cholestyramine |
| Corticosteroids - e.g. Prednisolone | Digoxin |
| Ketoconazole | Magnesium supplements |
| Phenobarbital, Phenytoin | Phosphate-binding agents |
| Some antacids | Thiazide diuretics - (water pills) |
This list may be incomplete, so tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbs you take. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It is very important to see your doctor at regular intervals while taking this medicine. Your doctor will often order blood tests to check the calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood. Do not skip these tests.
They will also advise you to follow a special diet.
Do not take any other medications or supplements containing vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium without your doctor's advice. Some antacids (medicines for heartburn) may also contain these. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, calcitriol can cause side effects in some people. Some of these require immediate attention, while others are less serious.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| High calcium level in the blood | Feeling thirsty or urinating more than usual, nausea, vomiting, confusion, feeling unusually tired, and bone pain. |
| High phosphorus level in the blood | Pain in muscles or joints, numbness around the mouth. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Dry mouth | Headache |
| Appetite | A metallic taste in the mouth |
| Stomach discomfort | |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from light.
- Keep the medicine bottle/tablet tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medicine.
This information sheet is only a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Calcitriol is an active form of vitamin D. It is mainly given to people who have low calcium levels in the body due to kidney disease or problems with the parathyroid glands.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and medical conditions you are taking.
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor exactly as prescribed, at the right time. Never take two doses at once.
- Be aware of the symptoms of high blood calcium levels (excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, bone pain). If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- It is essential to get regular blood tests done. Also, do not take any other calcium or vitamin D supplements without medical advice.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Calcitriol (Calcitriol / Rocaltrol) used for?
This is not just any 'Vitamin D' that you can buy at a regular pharmacy! This is the 'Active form of Vitamin D3', which is produced by our kidneys. Especially for those with severe kidney damage (CKD/Dialysis), since the kidneys cannot produce this active vitamin D, they must take this calcitriol pill to build calcium in their bodies and prevent bone loss.
💬 How does this pill (Calcitriol) absorb calcium from the intestines and strengthen bones?
Normally, it is very difficult for the body to absorb the calcium in the food we eat from the intestines. But when this 'active vitamin D (Calcitriol)' enters the intestines, it forces the cells in the intestines to 'open all the doors that allow calcium' (Stimulates calcium absorption). Then, a large amount of calcium in the food enters the blood, from there it goes into the bones and hardens, making the bones stronger.
💬 What is the biggest and most dangerous side effect (toxicity) of this synthetic vitamin D?
It's not like a regular vitamin! If the dose of this medicine (Calcitriol) is increased even slightly, the amount of calcium in your blood will increase to an unbearable level (Hypercalcemia)! Then that calcium will go and deposit inside the heart and blood vessels and form stones (Vascular calcification), which can even kill the patient suddenly. There is also a high chance of severe stomach upset, nausea, urinary stones, and mental confusion.
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