(kal si TRYE ole)
Management of hypocalcemia in patients on chronic renal dialysis (oral, injection); management of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) not yet on dialysis (predialysis patients) (oral); management of hypocalcemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism (oral)
Canadian labeling: Additional uses (not in US labeling): Vitamin D-resistant rickets (oral)
US labeling: Oral, injection: Hypersensitivity to calcitriol or any component of the formulation; hypercalcemia, vitamin D toxicity
Canadian labeling: Oral, injection: Hypersensitivity to calcitriol, vitamin D or its analogues or derivatives, or any component of the formulation or container; hypercalcemia, vitamin D toxicity
Hypocalcemia in patients on chronic renal dialysis:
Oral: Initial: 0.25 mcg daily; may increase dose by 0.25 mcg daily at 4- to 8-week intervals (US labeling) or 2- to 4-week intervals (Canadian labeling), up to 0.5-1 mcg daily; patients with normal or mildly decreased serum calcium levels may respond to 0.25 mcg every other day
IV:
US labeling: Initial: 1-2 mcg 3 times weekly approximately every other day. Adjust dose by 0.5-1 mcg at 2- to 4-week intervals; dosing range: 0.5-4 mcg 3 times weekly. Gradual dose reduction and discontinuation of therapy may be necessary as PTH levels decrease below target of (1.5-3 x ULN) in response to therapy.
Canadian labeling: Initial: 0.5 mcg 3 times weekly, approximately every other day. Adjust dose by 0.25-0.5 mcg at 2- to 4-week intervals; dosing range: 0.5-3 mcg 3 times weekly
Hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroidism/pseudohypoparathyroidism: Oral:
US labeling: Initial: 0.25 mcg daily (may adjust dose at 2- to 4-week intervals); range: 0.5-2 mcg once daily
Canadian labeling: Initial: 0.25 mcg daily; may increase dose by 0.25 mcg daily at 2- to 4-week intervals. Discontinue use immediately for hypercalcemia; may resume therapy after calcium levels normalize.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with moderate-to-severe CKD in patients not yet on dialysis: Oral: 0.25 mcg daily; may increase to 0.5 mcg daily
Note: KDIGO guidelines do not recommend routine vitamin D therapy (with vitamin D supplements or a vitamin D analog [eg, calcitriol]) for progressive or persistently elevated PTH concentrations in CKD patients (stages 3-5) not on dialysis in the absence of suspected/documented Vitamin D deficiency. Caution is advised to avoid hypercalcemia or elevated phosphate levels (KDIGO 2009; KDIGO 2012; Uhlig 2010).
Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1/pseudovitamin D deficiency rickets (PDDR) (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 0.5 mcg twice daily; subsequent dosing adjusted to maintain normal serum calcium and PTH levels; median dose after 2 years: 0.25 mcg daily (range: 0.1-0.5 mcg daily) (Edouard 2011)
Vitamin D-resistant rickets: Canadian labeling: Oral: Initial: 0.25 mcg daily; may increase dose by 0.25 mcg daily at 2- to 4-week intervals if response is inadequate; discontinue use immediately for hypercalcemia and do not resume until calcium levels normalize.
Refer to adult dosing. Start at the lower end of the dosage range.
Hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroidism/pseudohypoparathyroidism:
US labeling: Oral:
Children 1-5 years: Usual dosage range: 0.25-0.75 mcg once daily (may adjust dose at 2- to 4-week intervals)
Children ≥6 years and Adolescents: Refer to adult dosing.
Canadian labeling: Not approved for use in patients <18 years of age.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with moderate-to-severe CKD in patients not yet on dialysis:
US labeling: Oral:
Children <3 years: Initial dose: 0.01-0.015 mcg/kg/day
Children ≥3 years and Adolescents: Refer to adult dosing.
Canadian labeling: Not approved for use in patients <18 years of age.
No dosage adjustment necessary.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling.
IV: May be administered as a bolus dose IV through the catheter at the end of hemodialysis.
Oral: May be administered without regard to food. Administer with meals to reduce GI problems.
May be taken without regard to food. Give with meals to reduce GI problems. Adequate calcium intake should be maintained during therapy; dietary phosphorous may need to be restricted.
Oral capsule, injection, solution: Store at room temperature of 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F). Protect from light.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Oral:
Rocaltrol: 0.25 mcg, 0.5 mcg [contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), methylparaben, propylparaben]
Generic: 0.25 mcg, 0.5 mcg
Solution, Intravenous:
Generic: 1 mcg/mL (1 mL)
Solution, Oral:
Rocaltrol: 1 mcg/mL (15 mL)
Generic: 1 mcg/mL (15 mL)
Stable in D5W, NS, SWFI.
Aluminum Hydroxide: Vitamin D Analogs may increase the serum concentration of Aluminum Hydroxide. Specifically, the absorption of aluminum may be increased, leading to increased serum aluminum concentrations. Avoid combination
Aprepitant: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Bile Acid Sequestrants: May decrease the serum concentration of Vitamin D Analogs. More specifically, bile acid sequestrants may impair absorption of Vitamin D Analogs. Management: Avoid concomitant administration of vitamin D analogs and bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine). Separate administration of these agents by several hours to minimize the potential risk of interaction. Monitor plasma calcium concentrations. Consider therapy modification
Bosentan: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Calcium Salts: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Monitor therapy
Cardiac Glycosides: Vitamin D Analogs may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Cardiac Glycosides. Monitor therapy
Conivaptan: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Avoid combination
Corticosteroids (Systemic): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Calcitriol (Systemic). Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Consider an alternative for one of the interacting drugs. Some combinations may be specifically contraindicated. Consult appropriate manufacturer labeling. Consider therapy modification
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Consider therapy modification
Dabrafenib: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Seek alternatives to the CYP3A4 substrate when possible. If concomitant therapy cannot be avoided, monitor clinical effects of the substrate closely (particularly therapeutic effects). Consider therapy modification
Danazol: May enhance the hypercalcemic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Monitor therapy
Dasatinib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Deferasirox: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Enzalutamide: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Concurrent use of enzalutamide with CYP3A4 substrates that have a narrow therapeutic index should be avoided. Use of enzalutamide and any other CYP3A4 substrate should be performed with caution and close monitoring. Consider therapy modification
Fosaprepitant: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Avoid combination
Idelalisib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Avoid combination
Ivacaftor: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Luliconazole: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Magnesium Salts: Calcitriol (Systemic) may increase the serum concentration of Magnesium Salts. Management: Consider using a non-magnesium-containing antacid or phosphate-binding product in patients also receiving calcitriol. If magnesium-containing products must be used with calcitriol, serum magnesium concentrations should be monitored closely. Consider therapy modification
MiFEPRIStone: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Minimize doses of CYP3A4 substrates, and monitor for increased concentrations/toxicity, during and 2 weeks following treatment with mifepristone. Avoid cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, sirolimus, and tacrolimus. Consider therapy modification
Mineral Oil: May decrease the serum concentration of Vitamin D Analogs. More specifically, mineral oil may interfere with the absorption of Vitamin D Analogs. Management: Avoid concomitant, oral administration of mineral oil and vitamin D analogs. Consider separating the administration of these agents by several hours to minimize the risk of interaction. Monitor plasma calcium concentrations. Consider therapy modification
Mitotane: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Doses of CYP3A4 substrates may need to be adjusted substantially when used in patients being treated with mitotane. Consider therapy modification
Multivitamins/Fluoride (with ADE): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Avoid combination
Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Avoid combination
Netupitant: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Orlistat: May decrease the serum concentration of Vitamin D Analogs. More specifically, orlistat may impair absorption of Vitamin D Analogs. Management: Monitor clinical response (including serum calcium) to oral vitamin D analogs closely if used with orlistat. If this combination must be used, consider giving the vitamin D analog at least 2 hrs before or after orlistat. Consider therapy modification
Osimertinib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Osimertinib may decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Palbociclib: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Sevelamer: May decrease the serum concentration of Calcitriol (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Siltuximab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Simeprevir: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
St Johns Wort: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Consider an alternative for one of the interacting drugs. Some combinations may be specifically contraindicated. Consult appropriate manufacturer labeling. Consider therapy modification
Stiripentol: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Management: Use of stiripentol with CYP3A4 substrates that are considered to have a narrow therapeutic index should be avoided due to the increased risk for adverse effects and toxicity. Any CYP3A4 substrate used with stiripentol requires closer monitoring. Consider therapy modification
Sucralfate: Vitamin D Analogs may increase the serum concentration of Sucralfate. Specifically, the absorption of aluminum from sucralfate may be increased, leading to an increase in the serum aluminum concentration. Avoid combination
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: May enhance the hypercalcemic effect of Vitamin D Analogs. Monitor therapy
Tocilizumab: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Vitamin D Analogs: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Vitamin D Analogs. Avoid combination
Manufacturer 's labeling:
Oral therapy:
Dialysis patients: Serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and alkaline phosphate monitored periodically
Hypoparathyroid patients: Serum calcium, phosphorus, 24 hour urinary calcium monitored periodically
Predialysis patients: Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, and intact PTH, initially; then serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine monthly x 6 months, then periodically. Intact PTH should be monitored every 3-4 months.
During titration periods (all patients), monitor serum calcium levels at least twice weekly.
IV therapy: Serum calcium and phosphorus twice weekly (following initiation and during dosage adjustments) and periodically during therapy; periodic magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, 24 hour urinary calcium and phosphorous
KDIGO guidelines (2009):
Serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH: CKD stages 3-5D: Frequency of monitoring should be based on the presence and magnitude of abnormalities, as well as the rate of CKD progression. Reasonable intervals are:
CKD stage 3: Serum calcium and phosphorus, every 6 to 12 months; PTH: monitor based on baseline level and CKD progression
CKD stage 4: Serum calcium and phosphorus every 3 to 6 months; PTH every 6 to 12 months
CKD stage 5 (includes 5D): Serum calcium and phosphorus every 1 to 3 months; PTH every 3 to 6 months
Alkaline phosphatase: CKD stages 4-5D: Monitor every 12 months or more frequently in the presence of increased PTH levels
>10%: Endocrine & metabolic: Hypercalcemia
1% to 10%:
Central nervous system: Headache
Dermatologic: Skin rash
Endocrine & metabolic: Polydipsia
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain, nausea
Genitourinary: Urinary tract infection
Frequency not defined:
Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension
Central nervous system: Apathy, drowsiness, hyperthermia, metallic taste, psychosis, sensory disturbance
Dermatologic: Erythema, erythema multiforme, pruritus, urticaria
Endocrine & metabolic: Albuminuria, calcinosis, decreased libido, dehydration, growth suppression, hypercholesterolemia, weight loss
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, constipation, pancreatitis, stomach pain, vomiting, xerostomia
Genitourinary: Hypercalciuria, nocturia
Hepatic: Increased serum ALT, increased serum AST
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction
Local: Pain at injection site (mild)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Dystrophy, myalgia, ostealgia, weakness
Ophthalmic: Conjunctivitis, photophobia
Renal: Calcium nephrolithiasis, increased blood urea nitrogen, increased serum creatinine, polyuria
Respiratory: Rhinorrhea
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Agitation, anaphylaxis, apprehension, hypermagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypervitaminosis D, increased hematocrit, increased hemoglobin, increased neutrophils, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, insomnia, limb pain, lymphocytosis
The half-life is increased by at least 2-fold.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Excessive vitamin D: Excessive vitamin D administration may lead to over suppression of PTH, progressive or acute hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, hyperphosphatemia and adynamic bone disease. Withhold pharmacologic doses of vitamin D and its derivatives during therapy to avoid the potential for hypercalcemia to develop. In addition, several months may be required for ergocalciferol levels to return to baseline in patients switching from ergocalciferol therapy to calcitriol.
- Hypercalcemia: Monitor calcium levels closely with initiation of therapy and with dose adjustments; discontinue use promptly in patients who develop hypercalcemia. Avoid abrupt dietary modifications (eg, increased intake of dairy products) which may lead to hypercalcemia; adjust calcium intake if indicated and maintain adequate hydration. Chronic hypercalcemia can result in generalized vascular and soft tissue calcification. Immobilized patients may be at a higher risk for hypercalcemia.
Disease-related concerns:
- Malabsorption syndrome: Use oral calcitriol with caution in patients with malabsorption syndromes; efficacy may be limited and/or response may be unpredictable.
- Renal impairment: Use of calcitriol for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with CKD is not recommended in patients with rapidly worsening kidney function or in noncompliant patients. Increased serum phosphate levels in patients with renal failure may lead to ectopic calcification; the use of an aluminum-containing phosphate binder is recommended along with a low phosphate diet in these patients.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Calcium: Adequate dietary (supplemental) calcium is necessary for clinical response to vitamin D.
- Cardiac glycosides: Use with caution in patients taking cardiac glycosides; digitalis toxicity is potentiated by hypercalcemia.
- Magnesium-containing products: Concomitant use with magnesium-containing products such as antacids may lead to hypermagnesemia in patients receiving chronic renal dialysis.
Dosage form specific issues:
- Aluminum: The parenteral product may contain aluminum; toxic aluminum concentrations may be seen with high doses, prolonged use, or renal dysfunction. Premature neonates are at higher risk due to immature renal function and aluminum intake from other parenteral sources. Parenteral aluminum exposure of >4 to 5 mcg/kg/day is associated with CNS and bone toxicity; tissue loading may occur at lower doses (Federal Register 2002). See manufacturer 's labeling.
- Coconut oil: Products may contain coconut oil (capsule).
- Palm seed oil: Products may contain palm seed oil (oral solution).
- Tartrazine: Some products may contain tartrazine.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Calcium-phosphate product: Discontinue use immediately in adult patients with a calcium-phosphate product (serum calcium times phosphorus) >70 mg2/dL2; may resume therapy at decreased doses when levels are appropriate.
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Adverse effects have been observed in some animal reproduction studies. Maternal calcitriol may be detected in the fetal circulation. Mild hypercalcemia has been reported in a newborn following maternal use of calcitriol during pregnancy. Adverse effects on fetal development were not observed with use of calcitriol during pregnancy in women (N=9) with pseudovitamin D-dependent rickets. Doses were adjusted every 4 weeks to keep calcium concentrations within normal limits (Edouard 2011). If calcitriol is used for the management of hypoparathyroidism in pregnancy, dose adjustments may be needed as pregnancy progresses and again following delivery. Vitamin D and calcium levels should be monitored closely and kept in the lower normal range (Callies 1998).
Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D (1,25 hydroxyvitamin D3), binds to and activates the vitamin D receptor in kidney, parathyroid gland, intestine, and bone, stimulating intestinal calcium transport and absorption. It reduces PTH levels and improves calcium and phosphate homeostasis by stimulating bone resorption of calcium and increasing renal tubular reabsorption of calcium. Decreased renal conversion of vitamin D to its primary active metabolite (1,25 hydroxyvitamin D) in chronic renal failure leads to reduced activation of vitamin D receptor, which subsequently removes inhibitory suppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH) release; increased serum PTH (secondary hyperparathyroidism) reduces calcium excretion and enhances bone resorption.
Oral: Rapid
Primarily to calcitroic acid and a lactone metabolite
Excretion: Feces (27%); urine (7%, unchanged in 24 hours)
Clearance: Children 1.8 to 16 years undergoing peritoneal dialysis: 15.3 mL/hour/kg
Oral: 2 hours; maximum effect: 10 hours
Serum: Oral: 3 to 6 hours; Hemodialysis: 8 to 12 hours
Oral, IV: 3 to 5 days
Children 1.8 to 16 years undergoing peritoneal dialysis: 27.4 hours; Healthy adults: 5 to 8 hours; Hemodialysis: 16 to 22 hours
99.9%
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of high calcium (weakness, confusion, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, constipation, or bone pain), signs of fluid and electrolyte problems (mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness or passing out, tachycardia, increased thirst, seizures, loss of strength and energy, lack of appetite, urinary retention or change in amount of urine passed, dry mouth, dry eyes, or nausea or vomiting), polyuria, metallic taste, abdominal pain, eye irritation, or weight loss (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.