Indications of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg

Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is indicated in- Post-menopausal osteoporosis Renal osteodystrophy Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism Pseudohypoparathyroidism Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis) Vitamin D dependent rickets

Theropeutic Class

Vitamin in bone formation, Vitamin-D preparations

Pharmacology

Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is one of the most important active metabolites of vitamin D3. It is normally formed in the kidneys from its precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Calcitrol 0.25 mcg promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and regulates bone mineralization. The key role of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which includes stimulation effects on osteoblastic activity in the skeleton.

Dosage and Administration of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg

The optimal daily dose of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg capsule must be carefully determined for each patient on the basis of serum calcium level.In Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: The recommended dose of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg capsule is 0.25 mcg twice daily.In Renal Osteodystrophy (dialysis patients): The initial daily dose is 0.25 mcg of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg 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 Calcitrol 0.25 mcg 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 Calcitrol 0.25 mcg 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.

Dosage of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg

The optimal daily dose of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg capsule must be carefully determined for each patient on the basis of serum calcium level.In Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: The recommended dose of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg capsule is 0.25 mcg twice daily.In Renal Osteodystrophy (dialysis patients): The initial daily dose is 0.25 mcg of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg 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 Calcitrol 0.25 mcg 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 Calcitrol 0.25 mcg 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 0.25 mcg

Concomitant treatment with a thiazide diuretics increases the risk of hypercalcemia. Calcitrol 0.25 mcg dosage must be determined with care in patients undergoing treatment with digitalis as hypercalcemia in such patients may precipitate cardiac arrhythmias. Magnesium containing drugs (e.g.,antacids) may cause hypermagnesemia.

Contraindications

Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients. Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is also contraindicated in all diseases associated with hypercalcemia.

Side Effects of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg

Occasional symptoms include anorexia, headache, vomiting and constipation. Chronic effects may include dystrophy, fever, polyuria, dehydration, apathy and urinary tract infection.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is no evidence that vitamin D is teratogenic in humans. Calcitrol 0.25 mcg may be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. Mothers may breast feed while taking Calcitrol 0.25 mcg but serum calcium levels of the mother and infant should be monitored.

Precautions and Warnings

During Calcitrol 0.25 mcg therapy if the serum calcium levels rise to 1 mg/100 ml above normal or serum creatinine rises to andgt;120 µmol/l, the dosage of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg should be substantially reduced or treatment stopped.

Storage Conditions

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

Use In Special Populations

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis)- The recommended initial dosage of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is 0.25 mcg/day in adults and pediatric patients 3 years of age or older. This dosage may be increased if necessary to 0.5 mcg/day. For pediatric patients less than 3 years of age, the recommended initial dosage of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is 10 to 15 ng/kg/day. In Elderly: No dosage adjustment are required.

Drug Classes

Vitamin in bone formation, Vitamin-D preparations

Mode Of Action

Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is one of the most important active metabolites of vitamin D3. It is normally formed in the kidneys from its precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Calcitrol 0.25 mcg promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and regulates bone mineralization. The key role of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which includes stimulation effects on osteoblastic activity in the skeleton.

Pregnancy

There is no evidence that vitamin D is teratogenic in humans. Calcitrol 0.25 mcg may be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. Mothers may breast feed while taking Calcitrol 0.25 mcg but serum calcium levels of the mother and infant should be monitored.

Pediatric Uses

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with moderate to severe chronic renal failure (pre-dialysis)- The recommended initial dosage of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is 0.25 mcg/day in adults and pediatric patients 3 years of age or older. This dosage may be increased if necessary to 0.5 mcg/day. For pediatric patients less than 3 years of age, the recommended initial dosage of Calcitrol 0.25 mcg is 10 to 15 ng/kg/day. In Elderly: No dosage adjustment are required.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to our best practices, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific information about a drug should not be seen as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences resulting from this information, so consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.