Calcitriol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2025.

Applies to calcitriol: oral capsules, oral solution, parenteral injection.

Side effects include:

Excessive vitamin D intake (early manifestations): Weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste, anorexia, abdominal pain, epigastric distress.

Excessive vitamin D intake (late manifestations): Polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, calcific conjunctivitis, pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated BUN, albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated AST, elevated ALT, ectopic calcification, nephrocalcinosis, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, dystrophy, sensory disturbances, dehydration, apathy, arrested growth, urinary tract infections.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to calcitriol: injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral liquid.

General adverse events

Adverse events were similar to those of excessive vitamin D intake, hypercalcemia syndrome or calcium intoxication.^[Ref]

Early signs of excessive vitamin D intake include weakness, headache, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain, metallic taste, anorexia, abdominal pain, or stomach ache. Late signs include polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia, weight loss, nocturia, conjunctivitis (calcific), pancreatitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, elevated BUN, albuminuria, hypercholesterolemia, elevated AST and ALT, ectopic calcification, nephrocalcinosis, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, dystrophy, sensory disturbances, dehydration, apathy, arrested growth, urinary tract infections, and rarely, overt psychosis.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypercalcemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased appetite
• Frequency not reported: Polydipsia, dehydration, weight loss, thirst, hyperphosphatemia, anorexia, hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypercalciuria, urinary tract infection
• Frequency not reported: Polyuria, nocturia, albuminuria^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Sensory disturbance, somnolence, metallic taste
• Postmarketing reports: Seizure^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction, hypersensitivity (including rash, erythema, pruritus, and urticaria)
• Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Constipation, abdominal pain upper, paralytic ileus, dry mouth, pancreatitis, epigastric discomfort, diarrhea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, erythema, pruritus, erythema multiforme^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, hypertension^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Elevated AST, elevated ALT^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Calcinosis, pyrexia, weakness, hyperthermia, ectopic calcification, dystrophy
• Postmarketing reports: Chest pain^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood creatinine increased
• Frequency not reported: Elevated BUN, nephrocalcinosis, impairment of renal function^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscular weakness, growth retardation, muscle pain, bone pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Apathy, psychiatric disturbances, decreased libido, overt psychosis^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Pain on injection
• Postmarketing reports: Bleeding at the venipuncture site^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Hemolysis^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Postmarketing reports: Brown tumor, non-malignant tumor on the ribs^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis (calcific), photophobia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Rhinorrhea^[Ref]

Further information

Calcitriol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer