Calcitriol Topical Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 9, 2024.
Applies to calcitriol topical: topical application ointment.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for any unwanted effects.
If your condition does not improve or becomes worse, check with your doctor.
This medicine may temporarily increase the calcium levels in your blood (hypercalcemia). Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, confusion, depression, dry mouth, headache, incoherent speech, increased urination, loss of appetite, metallic taste, muscle weakness, unusual tiredness, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Common side effects of calcitriol topical
Some side effects of calcitriol topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common side effects
- skin itching or discomfort
Serious side effects of calcitriol topical
Along with its needed effects, calcitriol topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking calcitriol topical:
Incidence not known
- blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening, or burning feeling of the skin
- confusion
- cracked, dry, scaly skin
- depression
- dry mouth
- headache
- incoherent speech
- increased urination
- loss of appetite
- metallic taste
- muscle weakness
- nausea
- stomach pain
- swelling
- unusual tiredness
- vomiting,
- weight loss
For healthcare professionals
Applies to calcitriol topical: topical ointment.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported side effect was hypercalcemia.[Ref]
Other
- Common (1% to 10%): Laboratory test abnormality[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Skin discomfort, pruritus, skin irritation, erythema, psoriasis
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dry skin
- Frequency not reported: Skin edema, contact dermatitis
- Postmarketing reports: Acute blistering dermatitis, erythema, skin burning sensation[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Common (1% to 10%): Urine abnormality, hypercalciuria[Ref]
Renal
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Kidney stones[Ref]
Metabolic
- Very common (10% or more): Hypercalcemia (16% to 24%)[Ref]
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References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
2. (2009) "Product Information. Vectical (calcitriol topical)." Galderma Laboratories Inc
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Further information
Calcitriol topical 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.