Comprehensive medication guide to Calcitriol including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15/month
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$60/month
Medfinder Findability Score
75/100
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Calcitriol is the biologically active form of vitamin D, also known as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Unlike over-the-counter vitamin D supplements that need to be converted by the liver and kidneys, Calcitriol is already in its active form and works immediately in the body.
Calcitriol is FDA-approved to treat hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) in patients on chronic kidney dialysis, secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease, and hypocalcemia from hypoparathyroidism. The topical form (Vectical) is approved for mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.
It is also used off-label for conditions like vitamin D-dependent rickets, osteomalacia, and corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis.
Oral capsule — capsule
0.25 mcg, 0.5 mcg
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Oral solution — solution
1 mcg/mL
Injection (Calcijex) — injection
1 mcg/mL (for IV use in dialysis patients)
Topical ointment (Vectical) — topical
3 mcg/g (for plaque psoriasis)
Most people tolerate Calcitriol well, but side effects can occur, especially if calcium levels rise too high. Common side effects include:
Serious side effects to watch for include signs of hypercalcemia (dangerously high calcium): irregular heartbeat, confusion, kidney stones, severe nausea, and soft tissue calcification. Regular blood tests to monitor calcium and phosphorus levels are essential while taking Calcitriol.
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Paricalcitol (Zemplar)
a selective vitamin D analog with a potentially lower risk of hypercalcemia, commonly used in dialysis patients
Doxercalciferol (Hectorol)
a vitamin D2 analog that requires hepatic activation, used for secondary hyperparathyroidism
Alfacalcidol (One-Alpha)
a prodrug converted to Calcitriol in the liver
Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)
used for nutritional vitamin D deficiency (available OTC)
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
an over-the-counter supplement for general vitamin D deficiency
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Thiazide diuretics
moderate(e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) — increased risk of hypercalcemia
Digoxin
moderatehypercalcemia from Calcitriol can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems
Cholestyramine
moderatecan reduce Calcitriol absorption in the gut
Magnesium-containing antacids
moderaterisk of hypermagnesemia, especially in dialysis patients
Other vitamin D supplements
moderateadditive risk of vitamin D toxicity
Phenytoin and Phenobarbital
moderatemay reduce vitamin D effectiveness
Corticosteroids
moderatemay counteract Calcitriol's calcium absorption effects
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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