ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/calcitriol-oral
US brand names:Rocaltrol
Calcitriol Oral is dosed at 0.0025–0.005 mcg/kg PO q24h in dogs, per Treatment Recommendations for CKD in Dogs. International Renal Interest Society Web site. http://www.iris-kidney.com/pdf/IRIS-DOG-Treatment_Recommendations_2019.pdf. Published 2019. Accessed March 5, 2021.; Quimby J. Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. In: Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine. 2020:1165-1173. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-42045-0_24 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.198 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Active form of vitamin D3 that increases intestinal calcium absorption and suppresses parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in renal secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Hypercalcemia is a serious risk — monitor ionized calcium closely. Must control phosphorus first. Give on an empty stomach away from phosphate binders.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.0025–0.005 mcg/kg | q24h | Moderate | Treatment Recommendations for CKD in Dogs. International Renal Interest Society Web site. http://www.iris-kidney.com/pdf/IRIS-DOG-Treatment_Recommendations_2019.pdf. Published 2019. Accessed March 5, 2021.; Quimby J. Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. In: Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine. 2020:1165-1173. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-42045-0_24 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.198 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.0015–0.0035 mcg/kg | q24h | Moderate | Gunn-Moore D. The diagnosis and treatment of renal insufficiency in cats. Paper presented at: Proceedings: World Veterinary Congress 2008. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.198 (2026-08-01). |
Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.
View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.