Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol

Dosage Forms Available

• Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol can be taken orally (capsule and solution) and intravenous (injection) routes.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol is intended for use in adults and children above the age of one year.

Contraindications

• Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to vitamin D or any of the inactive ingredients in the formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe renal or liver disease, hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels), and malabsorption syndromes.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol may interact with seizure medicine (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin), cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin, digitalis), magnesium-containing medications (e.g., magnesium oxide, citrate of magnesia), and steroid medicine (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol may lead to serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, mental/mood changes, and abnormal heart rhythm. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• If you miss a dose of Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to make up for a missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects of Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol are temporary and tend to resolve once the body adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience persistent or worsening side effects, consult your doctor.

• To manage symptoms of nausea or constipation, taking the medication with a meal may help.

• To manage symptoms of dry mouth, sipping water frequently or chewing sugar-free gum may help stimulate saliva production.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol does not usually affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or any other side effect that could affect your concentration or alertness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The use of Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol during pregnancy or lactation should be done only under the guidance of a doctor, who will decide whether the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks to the foetus or nursing infant.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with heart disease should exercise caution when taking Calcitriol/ Cholecalciferol due to potential risks.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Expose your bare skin to the sun for 5–30 minutes a day to produce vitamin D naturally. However, you should still wear sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sun damage.

• Eat foods that are fortified with vitamin D such as almond, soy, and oat milks.