Drug Mechanism of Action Indications Side Effects Nursing Responsibility

Generic Name: Calcitriol acts on cells in Used to treat vitamin D • Allergic reactions—skin  Monitor serum
calciriol the gastrointestinal tract deficiency or rash, itching, hives, swelling of calcium
to increase the production insufficiency, refractory the face, lips, tongue, or throat concentration before
Brand Name: of calcium transport • Heart rhythm changes— and periodically
rickets (vitamin D
Rocaltrol, Vertical proteins, termed fast or irregular heartbeat, during treatment to
resistant rickets), allow for adjustment
calbindin-D proteins, dizziness, feeling faint or
familial of dose to maintain
which results in increased lightheaded, chest pain, trouble
hypophosphatemia and calcium levels within
Classification: uptake of calcium from the breathing
hypoparathyroidism, and normal limit.
Antihypocalcemic Agents gut into the body. This is • High calcium level—
in the management of  Provide supportive
the only mechanism by increased thirst or amount of measures (e.g.
which the body can hypocalcemia and renal urine, nausea, vomiting, analgesics, small and
Dosage: increase its calcium stores osteodystrophy in confusion, unusual weakness or frequent meals, help
Capsule patients with chronic fatigue, bone pain with activities of
renal failure undergoing • High phosphorus level— daily living) to help
dialysis. Also used in muscle pain or cramps, bone or patient deal with
 0.25 mcg
conjunction with joint pain, numbness and CNS and GI effects
 0.5 mcg
calcium in the tingling around the mouth of the drug.
• Dry mouth  Arrange for
Oral solution management and
• Headache nutritional
prevention of primary or consultation if GI
• Loss of appetite
 1 mcg/mL corticosteroid-induced • Metallic taste in mouth effects are severe to
osteoporosis. Upset stomach ensure nutritional
Injectable solution Contraindication/s Adverse Reaction/s balance.
 Provide patient
Hypersensitivity; Hypercalcemia;  rash, itching/swelling education about drug
 1 mcg/mL Vitamin D toxicity, concurrent (especially of the effects and warning
use of magnesium-containing face/tongue/throat), signs to report to
Routes: antacids or other vitamin D severe dizziness, trouble enhance patient
supplements; Malabsorption breathing. knowledge and to
PO, IV problems promote compliance.
Frequency:
Oral

 Adult, Initial: 0.25 mcg

Intravenous (IV)

 Initial: 1-2 mcg IV (0.02

Timing: