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Calcitriol - The Drug of choice for Renal
Failure
Calcitriol continues to be one of the best
received human-use drugs in terms of pet owner satisfaction. An overwhelming
majority of pet owner have reported that Calcitriol has made a dramatic
difference in their pet. Improvements in appetite, alertness, and physical
activity have been reported by hundreds of pet owners since IPS began
compounding Calcitriol over 10 years ago. Veterinarians surveyed have also
reported that the pets receiving Calcitriol have experienced longer lifespans.
The drug "Rocaltrol" (chemical name:
Calcitriol), manufactured by Roche, is indicated for human use in the
treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Manufactured doses are available in
liquid-filled capsules containing 0.25mcg or .5mcg.
IPS has over ten years of experience compounding
small fractional doses of calcitriol for dogs and cats. We use the dosing
range developed by researchers at the Veterinary College at Ohio State
University. This range calls for doses of 1.5ng to 3.5ng per kilogram of body
weight. This dose is given once daily. Please note that 1ng (nanogram) is
1/1000 mcg (microgram). IPS has developed doses as small as 4ng (0.004mcg) in
both capsules and oral solutions. Solutions are dispensed in dropper bottles
containing 15ml, with the dose concentrated in 0.25ml increments. For example,
8ng/0.25ml, 15ml would yield 60 doses or a two month supply. Because of the
wide dosing range, IPS has developed the following doses based on the weight
ranges listed:
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body weight
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dose
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100 capsules
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solution, 15ml
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0 - 5 lbs
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4 nanograms
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$42.00
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$37.00
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5 - 7 lbs
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8 nanograms
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$43.00
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$38.00
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8 - 10 lbs
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12 nanograms
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$44.00
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$39.00
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10 - 14 lbs
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16 nanograms
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$46.00
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$40.00
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15 - 21 lbs
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24 nanograms
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$49.00
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$42.00
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20 - 29 lbs
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32 nanograms
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$54.00
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$45.00
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30 - 42 lbs
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48 nanograms
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$61.00
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$50.00
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40 - 56 lbs
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64 nanograms
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$69.00
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$54.00
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50 - 70 lbs
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80 nanograms
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$76.00
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$59.00
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60 - 84 lbs
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96 nanograms
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$86.00
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$64.00
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70 - 98 lbs
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112 nanograms
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$94.00
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$68.00
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80 - 112 lbs
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128 nanograms
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$101.00
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$72.00
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90 - 126 lbs
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144 nanograms
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$109.00
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$76.00
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100 - 140 lbs
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160 nanograms
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$116.00
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$80.00
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Calcitriol is prepared for individual patients
on a prescription basis. Please include the patient’s name when ordering
Calcitriol.
Calcitriol doses are based on a dosing range of
1.5 ng to 3.5 ng per kilogram of body weight. The sizes listed are for dosing
once per day, therefore, 100 capsules = a 100 day supply and 15 ml of solution
= 60 day supply.
Calcitriol can also be dosed at DOUBLE the
standard dose if GIVEN EVERY OTHER DAY. This dosing schedule can be used to
reduce the possibility of hypercalcemia in animals that have been receiving
Calcitriol doses for several years.
Note: 1000 nanograms = 1 microgram, and 1000
micrograms = 1 milligram. Therefore 1 nanogram = 1/1,000,000 milligram.
Please call for additional information regarding
calcitriol doses for your specific patient.
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