Key takeaways
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and lanthanum (Fosrenol) are both medications used to manage conditions related to kidney disease, but they work in different ways. Calcitriol is a vitamin D analog that helps raise blood calcium levels, making it useful for treating low calcium in people with kidney and parathyroid problems. Lanthanum, on the other hand, is a phosphate binder that lowers phosphorus levels in people with advanced kidney disease. While calcitriol is available in both capsule and liquid forms and can be taken once daily, lanthanum is taken as a chewable tablet or powder with meals, typically three times a day. Both medications are available as a generic, which can be more affordable, but lanthanum can be more expensive. Common side effects of calcitriol include muscle weakness and upset stomach, while lanthanum may cause nausea and belly pain. Calcitriol can interact with many medications, such as certain antacids and diuretics, while lanthanum can block the absorption of other medications, requiring careful timing of doses.
