Calcidol capsules are an important oral medication containing calcidiol as its primary active ingredient. Calcidiol, also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, is an intermediate in the body's vitamin D metabolism. It plays a vital role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, two minerals essential for healthy bones, teeth, and other bodily functions. Dietary or sun-derived vitamin D is converted in the liver to calcidiol, whose blood level is measured to assess the body's vitamin D status. This medication is used to treat a variety of medical conditions related to vitamin D deficiency and calcium metabolism disorders.
The active ingredient in Calcidol capsules
Calcidol capsules contain the following active ingredient, which is the basis of its therapeutic effect:
Calcidiol: Also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3]. Calcidiol is the major form of vitamin D circulating in the blood and is a good indicator of the body's total vitamin D stores. It is produced in the liver through the hydroxylation of vitamin D (either vitamin D2 or vitamin D3). Calcidiol remains relatively inactive and requires further hydroxylation in the kidneys to convert it to the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3). However, taking calcidiol directly helps effectively raise blood levels of vitamin D and supports the kidneys' regulated production of calcitriol as needed by the body.
Available Strengths
Calcidol capsules are available in a variety of strengths to meet the diverse therapeutic needs of patients and fit into different treatment plans developed by physicians based on the severity of vitamin D deficiency, blood calcium levels, and other factors. Common market strengths of Calcidol capsules include:
0.25 micrograms (µg): This dose is often used to initiate treatment or as a maintenance dose in cases of mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency.
0.50 micrograms (µg): This dose can be used in cases of more severe vitamin D deficiency or when blood levels need to be raised more quickly.
Other, lower or higher concentrations may be available depending on the manufacturer and the local market.
The exact dosage and frequency of administration (daily, weekly, or monthly) are determined by the treating physician individually for each patient based on a comprehensive assessment of their medical condition, blood test results measuring vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus levels, and kidney function, as well as other factors such as the patient's age, weight, and other medications.
Indications for Use of Calcidol Capsules
Calcidol Capsules are primarily used to treat the following medical conditions:
Vitamin D deficiency: In cases where blood vitamin D levels are extremely low due to insufficient sunlight exposure, inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D, malabsorption, or certain medical conditions that affect vitamin D metabolism.
Rickets and osteomalacia: These are conditions characterized by weak and softening bones resulting from vitamin D deficiency and calcium and phosphorus deficiencies. Calcidol helps improve the absorption of these minerals and strengthen bones. Hypoparathyroidism: A condition characterized by decreased parathyroid hormone production, leading to low blood calcium levels. Calcidol can be used to help raise calcium levels.
Some cases of osteoporosis: Calcidol can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for osteoporosis, especially in patients with vitamin D deficiency. It helps improve calcium absorption and reduce the risk of fractures.
Calcium disorders associated with kidney disease: In some cases of chronic kidney failure, vitamin D metabolism may be impaired, leading to calcium deficiency. Calcidol can be used under close medical supervision to help regulate calcium and phosphorus levels.