Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Calcitriol?

Kristi L. Lenz
Kristi L. Lenz

Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D. It is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, and is responsible for increasing levels of calcium in the blood. It is also a medication that is used to treat or prevent low calcium levels due to various diseases.

Chemically, calcitriol may be referred to as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-(OH)2D3. When referring to the medication, calcitriol is the generic name. Available brand names include Rocaltrol®, Calcijex®, and Decostriol®.

Calcitriol is used to combat conditions that lead to osteoporosis.
Calcitriol is used to combat conditions that lead to osteoporosis.

Most vitamin D is naturally derived from sunlight exposure. The 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 able to perform normal physiologic functions. When levels of calcium in the blood decrease, the kidneys make more calcitriol.

Low calcium levels are common in patients who are receiving dialysis treatment.
Low calcium levels are common in patients who are receiving dialysis treatment.

Calcitriol increases levels of calcium in the blood in three different ways. The most important is increasing dietary calcium absorption from the small intestines. Calcitriol also enhances 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 assure that blood levels of calcium are maintained within a narrow range.

Dairy milk is an excellent natural source of calcium, an essential mineral.
Dairy milk is an excellent natural source of calcium, an essential mineral.

When used as a drug, calcitriol helps to treat conditions that cause low blood calcium levels. Chronic 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 who are receiving dialysis, and in patients with an impaired or nonfunctional parathyroid gland. The latter is called hyperparathyroidism, and may be due to surgical removal or an inherited condition.

Asian-American women are at high risk for developing osteoporosis.
Asian-American women are at high risk for developing osteoporosis.

In addition to treating low calcium levels, calcitriol is also used to treat patients with weakened bones caused by a lack of enough vitamin D. This is called osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Finally, calcitriol is used in combination with calcium supplements to prevent or treat osteoporosis that is the result of menopause or medications such as corticosteroids. For maximum effectiveness in these conditions, patients must have adequate calcium intake in their diet.

Smoking increases an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis.
Smoking increases an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis.

Calcitriol is available as a capsule, an oral liquid, and as an injection. It is generally very well tolerated. The primary side effect is too much calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia, which can be prevented with close 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 hypercalcemia, patients should avoid taking other calcium-containing products, such as antacids.

Discussion Comments

anon75996

Is calcitriol .25 a generic drug?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Calcitriol is used to combat conditions that lead to osteoporosis.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Calcitriol is used to combat conditions that lead to osteoporosis.
    • Low calcium levels are common in patients who are receiving dialysis treatment.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Low calcium levels are common in patients who are receiving dialysis treatment.
    • Dairy milk is an excellent natural source of calcium, an essential mineral.
      By: efired
      Dairy milk is an excellent natural source of calcium, an essential mineral.
    • Asian-American women are at high risk for developing osteoporosis.
      By: chuugo
      Asian-American women are at high risk for developing osteoporosis.
    • Smoking increases an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Smoking increases an individual's risk of developing osteoporosis.
    • Insufficient exposure to sunlight may lead to a vitamin D deficiency.
      By: maksimshirkov
      Insufficient exposure to sunlight may lead to a vitamin D deficiency.
    • Cystic fibrosis, a condition which is characterized by excessive mucus in the lungs, can lead to osteomalacia.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Cystic fibrosis, a condition which is characterized by excessive mucus in the lungs, can lead to osteomalacia.
    • In some cases, physical therapy may be prescribed in addition to calcitriol to help rebuild bone strength.
      By: CandyBox Images
      In some cases, physical therapy may be prescribed in addition to calcitriol to help rebuild bone strength.