Calcitrol 0.25mcg Licap 10pcs

Uses of Calcitrol 0.25mcg Licap

• Nutritional Supplementation
• Osteoporosis
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Osteomalacia and Rickets (bone disease due to Vitamin D deficiency)

How does Calcitrol 0.25mcg Licap work?

Calcitriol is the active form of Vitamin D. It raises Vitamin D levels in your blood. This in turn raises calcium levels in your blood by helping you absorb more calcium from your intestine.

Side Effects of Calcitrol 0.25mcg Licap

• Early Side Effects: Weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain, and metallic taste.
• Late Side Effects: Polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, calcific conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated BUN, albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT), ectopic calcification, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and rarely, overt psychosis.
• Injection-Specific: Occasional mild pain at the injection site.

Quick Suggestions:

• Do not take any other forms of Vitamin D unless your doctor suggests it.
• Take calcium supplements along with Vitamin D3 as suggested by your doctor.
• Drink plenty of fluids (such as water) as it is important not to become dehydrated.
• Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb calcitriol.
• Consult your doctor if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, muscle or joint pain, headache, or drowsiness.

Indication of Calcitrol 0.25mcg Licap

Calcitriol is used in the treatment of calcium deficiency and post-menopausal osteoporosis.

Pharmacology

Calcitriol is one of the most potent active metabolites of vitamin D3. It is synthesized in the kidneys from its precursor, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and plays a crucial role in:

• Promoting intestinal absorption of calcium
• Regulating bone mineralization
• Maintaining calcium homeostasis by stimulating osteoblastic activity in the skeleton

Dosage & Administration of Calcitrol 0.25mcg Licap

• Post-menopausal Osteoporosis: 0.25 mcg twice daily.
• Renal Osteodystrophy (Dialysis Patients):

• Initial dose: 0.25 mcg daily.
• For patients with normal or slightly reduced calcium levels: 0.25 mcg every other day may suffice.

Hypoparathyroidism and Rickets:

• Initial dose: 0.25 mcg/day, taken in the morning.
• If no satisfactory response is observed within 2-4 weeks, the dose may be increased at 2-4 week intervals.

Use in Special Populations

• Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (Pre-Dialysis):

• Adults & Pediatric Patients (≥3 years): Initial dose of 0.25 mcg/day, may increase to 0.5 mcg/day if necessary.
• Pediatric Patients (<3 years): 10-15 ng/kg/day.
• Elderly: No dosage adjustment is required.

Overdosage can result in hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia. Treatment involves immediate discontinuation, a low-calcium diet, and withdrawal of calcium supplements.

• The optimal dosage of Calcitriol is patient-specific and should be determined based on serum calcium levels.

Interaction

• Thiazide Diuretics: Increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
• Digitalis: Calcitriol dosage must be cautiously managed as hypercalcemia can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias.
• Magnesium-containing Drugs (e.g., antacids): May lead to hypermagnesemia.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in Calcitriol.
• All conditions are associated with hypercalcemia.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: There is no evidence of teratogenic effects in humans. Calcitriol should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Lactation: Safe for breastfeeding, but the calcium levels of both mother and infant should be monitored.

Precautions & Warnings

• Hypercalcemia: Excessive Calcitriol dosage can induce hypercalcemia and, in some cases, hypercalciuria.
• Digitalis Patients: Administer with caution due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
• Rebound Effect: Discontinuation should be gradual to avoid rebound hypercalcemia.
• Vitamin D and Derivatives: Should be withheld during Calcitriol treatment.
• Chronic Hypercalcemia: May result in generalized vascular calcification, nephrocalcinosis, and other soft-tissue calcifications.

Storage:

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