Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D, which increases the absorption of calcium. Additionally, calcitriol improves the parathyroid gland function in patients with chronic kidney disease or who have had their parathyroid glands removed. The parathyroid glands are important for regulating bone health.

How should I take/use this medication?

This medication comes in tablet or injection form. 

• Take this medication as instructed by your healthcare professional.
• Do not stop taking your medication unless as advised by your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food. 

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose and the timing is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You have high calcium levels or too much vitamin D in your body.
• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. 

It is important to go for blood tests as advised by your healthcare professional to ensure your calcium levels are within range. 

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, such as

• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach upset

As this medication increases the absorption of calcium, you may develop high calcium levels. It is important that you keep up with any blood tests recommended by your healthcare professional, and to be aware of the possible symptoms of high calcium levels.

• Weakness
• Confusion
• Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite
• A need to pass urine more often
• Throwing up
• Constipation
• Bone pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication or supplement that contains calcium or vitamin D.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin. 

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated in August 2023