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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-.
CASRN: 32222-06-3
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Calcitriol is the normal physiologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Limited data indicate that its use in nursing mothers in appropriately adjusted doses does not affect the breastfed infant. If calcitriol is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. Calcitriol and calcium dosage requirements are usually reduced during lactation in women with hypoparathyroidism.[1-9]
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
A woman with hypoparathyroidism breastfed her infant from week 1 to week 32 postpartum while taking calcitriol. The dose was initially 0.5 mcg daily, but was decreased to 0.25 mcg daily after 8 weeks. The infant thrived during breastfeeding and had normal serum calcium levels at 1 and 3 weeks and 3 months of age.[2]
A woman breastfed infants after two pregnancies while taking calcitriol in doses of 0.75 and 1 mcg daily. There were no reports of adverse reactions.[10]
A woman breastfed her newborn infant for 9 days while taking calcitriol 0.5 mcg three times daily. Calcitriol was stopped at that time because of hypercalcemia, but restarted at 40 days postpartum in low doses that were gradually increased until the prepregnancy dosage of 1.5 mcg daily was reached just before weaning at 12.5 months postpartum.[4]
A woman with discoid lupus was taking calcitriol 0.25 mcg every 2 days and several other medications concurrently. Her infant was breastfed for 12 months and followed up at 15 months of age. No adverse effects were reported during breastfeeding and the infant was growing and developing normally at 15 months of age.[11]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- Caplan RH, Beguin EA. Hypercalcemia in a calcitriol-treated hypoparathyroid woman during lactation. Obstet Gynecol. 1990;76(3 Pt 2):485–9. [PubMed: 2381632]
- 2.
- Caplan RH, Wickus GG. Reduced calcitriol requirements for treating hypoparathyroidism during lactation. A case report. J Reprod Med. 1993;38:914–8. [PubMed: 8277494]
- 3.
- Cathebras P, Cartry O, Sassolas G, et al. Rev Med Interne. 1996;17:675–6. [Hypercalcemia induced by lactation in 2 patients with treated hypoparathyroidism] [PubMed: 8881196]
- 4.
- Cundy T, Haining SA, Guilland-Cumming DF, et al. Remission of hypoparathyroidism during lactation: evidence for a physiological role for prolactin in the regulation of vitamin D metabolism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1987;26:667–74. [PubMed: 3665123]
- 5.
- Mather KJ, Chik CL, Corenblum B. Maintenance of serum calcium by parathyroid hormone-related peptide during lactation in a hypoparathyroid patient. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84:424–7. [PubMed: 10022395]
- 6.
- Rude RK, Haussler MR, Singer FR. Postpartum resolution of hypocalcemia in a lactating hypoparathyroid patient. Endocrinol Jpn. 1984;31:227–33. [PubMed: 6548698]
- 7.
- Sweeney LL, Malabanan AO, Rosen H. Decreased calcitriol requirements during pregnancy and lactation, with a window of increased requirements immediately postpartum. Endocr Pract. 2010;16:459–62. [PubMed: 20061285]
- 8.
- Krysiak R, Kobielusz-Gembala I, Okopien B. Hypoparathyroidism in pregnancy. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011;27:529–32. [PubMed: 21463229]
- 9.
- Hartogsohn EAR, Khan AA, Underbjerg L, et al. Changes in treatment needs of hypoparathyroidism during pregnancy and lactation: a case series. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2020 [PubMed: 32350890]
- 10.
- Callies F, Arlt W, Scholz HJ, et al. Management of hypoparathyroidism during pregnancy--report of twelve cases. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139:284–9. [PubMed: 9758437]
- 11.
- Moretti ME, Verjee Z, Ito S, et al. Breast-feeding during maternal use of azathioprine. Ann Pharmacother. 2006;40:2269–72. [PubMed: 17132809]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Calcitriol
CAS Registry Number
32222-06-3
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- Review Vitamin D[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Vitamin D. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). 2006
- Review Ring-A-seco analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3.[J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2013]Review Ring-A-seco analogs of 1α,25-dihydroxy-19-norvitamin D3.Glebocka A, Sicinski RR, Plum LA, Deluca HF. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2013 Jul; 136:39-43. Epub 2012 Oct 9.
- Roles of the structure and orientation of ligands and ligand mimics inside the ligand-binding pocket of the vitamin D-binding protein.[Biochemistry. 1997]Roles of the structure and orientation of ligands and ligand mimics inside the ligand-binding pocket of the vitamin D-binding protein.Swamy N, Dutta A, Ray R. Biochemistry. 1997 Jun 17; 36(24):7432-6.
- Review 1alpha(OH)D3 One-alpha-hydroxy-cholecalciferol--an active vitamin D analog. Clinical studies on prophylaxis and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in uremic patients on chronic dialysis.[Dan Med Bull. 2008]Review 1alpha(OH)D3 One-alpha-hydroxy-cholecalciferol--an active vitamin D analog. Clinical studies on prophylaxis and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in uremic patients on chronic dialysis.Brandi L. Dan Med Bull. 2008 Nov; 55(4):186-210.
- Isolation and identification of 1alpha-hydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3 and 1alpha,23-dihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3: metabolites of 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 produced in rat kidney.[Biochem Pharmacol. 1999]Isolation and identification of 1alpha-hydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3 and 1alpha,23-dihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D3: metabolites of 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 produced in rat kidney.Weinstein EA, Rao DS, Siu-Caldera ML, Tserng KY, Uskokovic MR, Ishizuka S, Reddy GS. Biochem Pharmacol. 1999 Dec 15; 58(12):1965-73.
- Calcitriol - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)Calcitriol - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
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