Calcitriol
Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D3 that regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism in the body and is prescribed to treat conditions where vitamin D activation is impaired, including hypoparathyroidism.
Calcitriol is an active vitamin D3 hormone used to treat calcium and bone disorders by regulating calcium absorption and metabolism.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11CC04
- RxNorm
- 1894
- Generic
- Calcitriol
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Rocaltrol, Vectical
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- injection, ointment, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.25 mcg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25 mcg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25 mcg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular monitoring of maternal serum calcium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
regular monitoring of maternal and fetal serum calcium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingmonitor infant calcium levels
use only if benefits outweigh risks to infant
monitor infant serum calcium and development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
infants childrenweight-based dosing starting at 0.25 mcg daily
individualize dose based on response and serum calcium
frequent serum calcium and phosphorus monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose and titrate slowly
use caution in patients with reduced renal function common in elderly
regular monitoring of serum calcium and renal function
renal_impairment
end stage renal diseasedose adjustment may be required based on serum calcium
commonly used for renal osteodystrophy in dialysis patients
frequent serum calcium and phosphorus monitoring required
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific recommendations but use with caution
monitor response and adjust dose as needed
monitor serum calcium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Active vitamin D3 metabolite, ATC code A11CC01
First FDA approval
Rocaltrol (calcitriol) was first approved by the FDA
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for calcitriol therapy
Mechanism of action
Binds to vitamin D receptors to regulate calcium and phosphorus homeostasis
Calcitriol treats hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands), secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease, renal osteodystrophy, vitamin D-dependent rickets type I, and osteomalacia. It is also used to prevent and treat calcium deficiency in patients with hypoparathyroidism or malabsorption syndromes.
Calcitriol is the hormonally active form of vitamin D3. It binds to vitamin D receptors (VDR) in target tissues including the intestinal epithelium, bone, kidney, and parathyroid glands. This activates gene transcription processes that increase intestinal absorption of dietary calcium and phosphate, promote bone mineralization, enhance renal reabsorption of calcium, and suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion.
Regular monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate levels is essential during treatment, as calcitriol can cause hypercalcemia. Patients should avoid taking additional vitamin D supplements or calcium-containing products without medical supervision. The medication may interact with cholestyramine, corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, and certain anticonvulsants. Dosage must be individualized and adjusted based on laboratory values, particularly in patients with kidney disease.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy