Meditrol Adverse Reactions

Since calcitriol exerts vitamin D activity, adverse effects may occur which are similar to those found when an excessive dose of vitamin D is taken, i.e. hypercalcemia syndrome or calcium intoxication (depending on the severity and duration of hypercalcemia). Occasional acute symptoms include anorexia, headache, vomiting and constipation. Chronic effects may include dystrophy, sensory disturbances, fever with thirst, polyuria, apathy, arrested growth and urinary tract infections.
In concurrent hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia of >6 mg/100 ml or >1.9 mmol/L, soft tissue calcification may occur; this can be seen radiographically. In patients with normal renal function, chronic hypercalcemia may be associated with an increase in serum creatinine.
Because of the short biological half-life of calcitriol, pharmacokinetic investigations have shown normalization of elevated serum calcium within a few days of treatment withdrawal or of a dosage reduction, i.e. much faster than in treatment with vitamin D3 preparations.