Paricalcitol is man-made vitamin D. It is used to aid absorption of calcium and to treat overactive parathyroid in people with kidney failure.

May be taken daily, every other day, or 3 times a week. Follow your doctor’s instructions, including diet.

Do not take vitamin/mineral supplements including mineral oil. Avoid taking cholestyramine within 1 hour after or 4-6 hours before paricalcitol. Avoid grapefruit products. Avoid calcium supplements and antacids. Do not take if you have hypercalcemia or vitamin D toxicity. Inform doctor if you also have hypertension, liver disease, or electrolyte imbalance.

Get medical attention and inform doctor if you experience a serious reaction, such as: an allergic reaction, flu-like symptoms, painful urination, vitamin D overdose symptoms, and symptoms of too much calcium in blood. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, sinus pain, sore throat, dizziness, increased blood pressure, pounding in ears/neck, diarrhea.