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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
3

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
PO
Frequency
q24h
🐈

Cat

Used for CKD-associated renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and post-thyroidecto
Dose
—
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →