Paricalcitol is a drug to prevent and treat hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic kidney failure. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Paricalcitol is a modified artificial vitamin D. This drug works by inhibiting the formation and secretion of parathyroid hormone. That way, the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood will decrease. In addition, paricarcitol also helps reduce the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.
Paricalcitol trademark: Zemplar
What is Paricalcitol
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antiparathyroid |
| Benefit | Treating hyperparathyroidism due to chronic renal failure |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Paricalcitol for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether Paricalcitol is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Syringe, capsule |
Precautions Before Using Paricalcitol
The following are some things that you should pay attention to before using paricalcitol:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Paricalcitol should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have high calcium levels or hypercalcemia. Paricacitrol should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines that contain phosphate or vitamin D. Paricalcitol should not be taken with these medicines.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hypertension , liver disease, heart rhythm disturbances (or electrolyte disturbances including hypomagnesemia ).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with paricalcitol because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction , overdose, or serious side effects after using paricalcitol.
Dosage and Rules for Use Paricalcitol
The following is the dose of paricalcitol to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic kidney failure based on the drug preparation:
Syringe form
Condition: Secondary hyperparathyroidism in a patient with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis
- The initial dose is determined based on the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood (iPTH). The medicine is given 3 times a week, injected during the dialysis procedure. Maximum dose of 40 mcg.
Capsule shape
Condition: Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure patients
- In patients with stage 3 and 4 renal failure, the dose is determined based on the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood (iPTH). If iPTH ≤500 pg/ml, the dose is 1 mcg daily or 2 mcg, 3 times a week. If iPTH > 500 pg/ml the dose is 2 mcg per day or 4 mcg, 3 times a week.
- Dosage should be adjusted every 2–4 weeks based on blood levels of phosphate, calcium and iPTH.
How to Use Paricalcitol Properly
Always follow the doctor 's advice and read the instructions on the drug packaging. Paricalcitol injectable form will be given directly by a doctor or health worker under the supervision of a doctor at the hospital. Injectable paricalcitol will be given when the patient is having dialysis.
Paricalcitol capsule form can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the paricalcitol capsule with the help of a glass of water. Consume paricalcitol capsules regularly. Do not stop using the drug without consulting your doctor first.
The dose of paricalcitol is determined based on the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. Therefore, while undergoing treatment with paricalcitol, you will be asked to have regular blood tests.
Store paricalcitol in a dry place, at room temperature, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep paricalcitol out of reach of children.
Interactions of Paricalcitol with other drugs
The following are some of the interaction effects that can occur if paricalcitol is used with other drugs:
- Increased drug toxicity when antacids or sucralfate are used
- Increased levels of phosphate and vitamin D in the blood when used with burosumab
- High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) when used with thiazide diuretics, medications containing calcium or phosphate, or other vitamin D analogues, such as calcitriol or doxercalciferol
- Increased blood phosphate levels when used with erdafitinib
Side Effects and Dangers of Paricalcitol
There are several side effects that can occur after using paricalcitol, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swollen hands or feet
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Joint pain
- Nasal congestion
Check with your doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or a more serious side effect below:
- Faster, slower , irregular, or pounding heartbeats
- Back pain, joint pain , or muscle pain
- Infrequent urination or very little urine
- seizures
- High levels of calcium in the blood, which may be characterized by nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness and weakness, excessive thirst, or confusion