Citrihexal

Generic Name: Calcitriol
Product Name: Citrihexal

Indication

Calctriol is used in the following situations
Treatment of low calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) in patients with rickets, hypoparathyroidism and/or renal osteodystrophy
Treatment of osteoporosis
Prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis

Action

Calcitrol increases the levels of calcium in the body by increasing the absorption of calcium in the intestines and by decreasing the amount of calcium lost through the kidneys. By increasing the calcium levels Calcitriol promotes the formation of strong bones.

Dose advice

Treatment of osteoporosis
0.25 micrograms orally twice a day

Prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis
0.25 micrograms orally twice a day

Treatment of hypocalcaemia in patients with renal osteodystrophy, hypoparathyroidism and/or hypophosphataemic rickets
Adults and children aged greater than 5 years
The initial recommended dose is 0.25 micrograms orally twice a day
This dose may be increased by 0.25 micrograms per day at 2â??4 weeks intervals depending on the patients response to treatment
When the patient has normal calcium levels the dose should be decreased by 0.25 micrograms per day
The usual maintenance dose is 0.5â??1 micrograms per day

Children aged 1â??5 years
0.25â??0.75 micrograms orally once a day.

Schedule

Common side effects

Most adverse effects of Calcitriol are due to high calcium levels
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Anorexia,
Headache
Fatigue
Thirst
Sweating
Increased urination
Confusion