ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/vitamin-d
US brand names:Calcitriol, Cholecalciferol(D3)
Active form (calcitriol) binds VDR promoting intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone mineralization, and parathyroid hormone regulation.
Calcitriol: used for renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. Narrow therapeutic index — hypercalcemia risk. Monitor ionized calcium frequently. Do not confuse calcitriol with cholecalciferol.
Species references:All Bearded Dragon drugsAll 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 3 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 | 0.02–0.03 mcg/kg calcitriol | q24h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.198 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 0.02–0.03 mcg/kg calcitriol | q24h | Moderate | Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.198 (2026-08-01). |
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