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Comparing Calcitriol vs Vitamin D2

Calcitriol

Vitamin D2

ergocalciferol

Prescribed for Hypoparathyroidism, Hypocalcemia, Renal Osteodystrophy, Rickets. May also be prescribed off label for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.

Prescribed for Hypoparathyroidism, Vitamin D Deficiency, Hypocalcemia, Familial Hypophosphatemia, Hypophosphatemia, Osteomalacia, Renal Osteodystrophy, Rickets, Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation and... more

Prescription only

Prescription and OTC

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
7.6
8 Reviews

For Hypoparathyroidism I have been taking calcitriol for 8 months now. We eventually built it up until I am taking 1.25 mcg a day with 1500 - 2000 mg of calcium. It has worked very well compared to when I started out with only 25 mcg a day. I still have minor tetany problems but nothing and extra dose of calcium once in a while won't fix. The reason I didn't give it a 10 is because a lot of other medicines that different doctors gave me completely screwed me up. I see an endocrinologist for my thyroid and hypocalcemia...an ENT prescribed prilosec for reflux which messed me up and I had to stop taking it. My Gyn gave me a drug one dose one time before a uterine biopsy and plummedted my blood calcium levels for over a week...

8
Anonymous

For Hypoparathyroidism I have surgically induced Hypoparathyroidism. I was not monitored for many years. By the time I saw my ENT, my vitamin D level was 780. I really thought I was dying. My Dr. said I had been suffering from vitamin D toxicity. She stopped the vitamin D and started me on calcitroil. It is a synthetic vitamin D and absorbs differently then vitamin D. It took a while for the toxicity to get better. I now take my meds differently. Prilosec 7 to 8am. Calcium/magnesium/zinc combo and calcitriol at noon, 5pm heart medicines, 9pm levothyroxine. This has worked so far great for me. Still occasional tetany. Overall better.

9
SheriA
8.4
5 Reviews

For Vitamin D Deficiency After years of chronic pain and depression that responded to nothing I finally asked for a Vitamin D blood test. BINGO. Low normal is 40 - I was a 4. After 8 weeks of once a week doses of 50,000 units, and a daily dose of 2000 units, I am feeling better than I have in years! I live in AZ - low D can happen anywhere!

10
D-is-key

For Vitamin D Deficiency Leg/foot cramps stopped - hair stopped falling out - joint (knee) pain considerably better - more energy. I had no idea I was deficient since I live in Southern Arizona and am in the sun a LOT - plus I was taking 2,000IU of a good (Carlson) supplement. I highly recommend this product

10
Anonymous

View all 8 reviews

View all 5 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and increased serum creatinine.

See the full calcitriol side effects document.

See the full Vitamin D2 side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 capsule
Dosage 0.25 mcg
Per Unit* $1.13
Cost* $33.90
View all calcitriol prices
Quantity 4 capsule
Dosage 50,000 intl units
Per Unit* $2.54
Cost* $10.16
View all Vitamin D2 prices
View generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Injectable solution
  • Oral capsule
  • Oral liquid
  • Oral capsule

Brand Names
Rocaltrol Other ergocalciferol brands include: Calcidol, Calciferol, and Drisdol

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

8 hours

N/A

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

N/A

FDA Alerts (1)

Drug Interactions

A total of 170 drugs are known to interact with calcitriol:

  • 15 major drug interactions (116 brand and generic names)
  • 154 moderate drug interactions (659 brand and generic names)
  • 1 minor drug interactions (3 brand and generic names)

A total of 165 drugs are known to interact with Vitamin D2:

  • 13 major drug interactions (68 brand and generic names)
  • 151 moderate drug interactions (649 brand and generic names)
  • 1 minor drug interactions (3 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

August 17, 1978

N/A

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

N/A

Professional Resources

N/A

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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