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  • Lakeview Animal Hospital
  • 1077 N. Service Road,
  • Mississauga,
  • Ontario,
  • L4Y 1A6
  • Phone: (905) 272-7210

Calcitriol

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Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Calcitriol is used to regulate calcium levels in the blood. It is a Vitamin D analogue that promotes the absorption of calcium from the intestinal tract. It may be used to treat calcium deficiency associated with hypoparathyroidism. It has also been used to reduce parathyroid hormone concentrations in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease.

calcitriol-1

 

How do I give this medication?

  • Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinarian. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
  • If the medicine is a liquid, measure the dose with reasonable care.
  • Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
  • DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed.
  • DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
  • Try not to miss giving any doses since symptoms may rapidly redevelop.
  • DO NOT stop giving this medication to your pet without first consulting the veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian ahead of time if your pet requires medication refills.
  • Pets on this medication will need to have regular blood tests to make sure the Calcium and Phosphorous are staying at the desired levels.

 

What do I do if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

 

How do I store this medicine?

  • Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
  • Store this medicine in the refrigerator.
  • Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

 

 

What are the possible drug interactions?

  • Make sure to tell your veterinarian what other medication or supplements you are giving to your pet.
  • Quite often, your veterinarian may prescribe two different medications, even if a drug interaction may occur. In this case, your veterinarian may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
  • The following medications when given with calcitriol: magnesium containing antacids, thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, phenytoin, barbiturates or primidone, verapamil, digoxin, mineral oil, sucralfate, cholestyramine, colestipol
  • Contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Jun 14, 2011.