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Calcitriol

Prescription

Active Vitamin D3 (1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Active form of vitamin D that binds VDR, promoting intestinal calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and PTH suppression. Does not require renal 1-alpha hydroxylation — can be used in CKD.

At a glance

Class

Active Vitamin D3 (1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature 15–30°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

CKD use: suppresses secondary hyperparathyroidism at ultra-low doses

Dose

—

Route

Frequency

q24h

🐈

Cat

Used for CKD-associated renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and post-thyroidecto

Dose

—

Route

Frequency

q24h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature 15–30°C, protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Ionized calcium q1–2 weeks initially, then monthlyPhosphorusPTH levelsBUN/creatinine

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Calcium Gluconate

moderate

Calcitriol increases intestinal calcium absorption. Concurrent calcium supplementation may cause hypercalcemia more rapidly than expected.

Management: Monitor ionized calcium frequently when both used (e.g., hypoparathyroidism). Titrate calcitriol based on calcium levels. Reduce calcium supplement as calcitriol takes effect.

Furosemide

moderate

Furosemide increases renal calcium excretion, opposing calcitriol's calcium-retaining effect.

Management: May need higher calcitriol dose or calcium supplementation. Monitor ionized calcium.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Rocaltrol

Calcijex

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Calcitriol?

Calcitriol is a active vitamin d3 (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol) used in pets. Active form of vitamin D that binds VDR, promoting intestinal calcium absorption, bone mineralization, and PTH suppression. Does not require renal 1-alpha hydroxylation — can be used in CKD.

›What is Calcitriol used for in pets?

Calcitriol is used in veterinary medicine for: CKD use: suppresses secondary hyperparathyroidism at ultra-low doses; Used for CKD-associated renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and post-thyroidecto.

›What is the Calcitriol dose for dogs?

For dogs, Calcitriol is typically dosed as follows — CKD use: suppresses secondary hyperparathyroidism at ultra-low doses: undefined undefined PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Calcitriol dose for cats?

For cats, Calcitriol is typically dosed as follows — Used for CKD-associated renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and post-thyroidecto: undefined undefined PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Calcitriol need a prescription?

Yes. Calcitriol is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database