Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic uses of calcitriol as follows:

Hypoparathyroidism

• Individuals with history of hypoparathyroidism can present with low serum calcium levels and low parathyroid hormone secretion.
• Calcitriol can be given as a supplement in these individuals to increase intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the food sources and also, to help with reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys, thus helping to restore optimal concentrations of serum calcium.

Steroid-induced osteoporosis

• Individuals with history of chronic steroid intake can present with increased loss of calcium and phosphorus from the bone and osteoporosis, as a side-effect to the long-term steroid use.
• Calcitriol given as a supplement in these individuals helps with mobilization and deposition of calcium and phosphorus in the bones, thus helping with the mineralization and strengthening of the bones and inhibiting the progression of osteoporotic bone changes.
• Calcitriol administration also helps with inhibiting the secretion of parathyroid hormone, thus helping to inhibit osteoporosis and weakening of the bone.