Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D that increases blood calcium levels. It is used to treat low calcium levels and weakened bones caused by various diseases. Hypercalcemia is a possible side effect.
Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D. It is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is responsible for increasing blood calcium levels. It is also a drug used to treat or prevent low calcium levels due to various diseases.
Chemically, calcitriol can be referred to as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-(OH)2D3. When referring to the drug, calcitriol is the generic name. Available brand names include Rocaltrol®, Calcijex® and Decostriol®.
Most vitamin D comes naturally from exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet rays convert 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to cholecalciferol, which is an inactive form of vitamin D. The kidneys then convert cholecalciferol to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, which is active and capable of performing normal body functions. When blood calcium levels drop, the kidneys produce more calcitriol.
Calcitriol increases blood calcium levels in three different ways. The most important is to increase the absorption of dietary calcium from the small intestine. Calcitriol also enhances the reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys and, in concert with parathyroid hormone (PTH), stimulates the release of calcium from the bones. All of these mechanisms ensure that blood calcium levels are kept within a narrow range.
When used as a medication, calcitriol helps treat conditions that cause low blood calcium levels. Chronically low levels of calcium can lead to the release of calcium from the bones, which in turn leads to weakened bones and eventually osteoporosis. This is primarily a problem in patients with kidney disease undergoing dialysis and in patients with an impaired or non-functioning parathyroid gland. The latter is called hyperparathyroidism and can be due to surgical removal or an inherited condition.
In addition to treating low calcium levels, calcitriol is also used to treat patients with weakened bones caused by not getting enough vitamin D. This is called osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Finally, calcitriol is used in conjunction with calcium supplements to prevent or treat osteoporosis that is a result of menopause or medications such as corticosteroids. For maximum effectiveness in these conditions, patients must have an adequate intake of calcium in their diet.
Calcitriol is available in capsule, oral liquid, and injection forms. It is generally very well tolerated. The main side effect is excess calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia, which can be prevented by careful monitoring of blood calcium levels. Common signs of hypercalcemia include nausea and vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, decreased reflexes, weakness, increased urination, loss of appetite, and weight loss. To reduce the risk of hypercalcaemia, patients should avoid taking other calcium-containing products, such as antacids.
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