| drug | Paricalcitol |
| classification | Vitamin D Analogue, Vitamin D Receptor Agonist |
| pharmacokinetics | Paricalcitol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak serum concentrations are typically reached within 2-4 hours. The drug is highly protein-bound, primarily to albumin. Paricalcitol is metabolized in the liver, primarily by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. The major metabolites are inactive and are excreted in the urine and feces. The half-life is approximately 12-24 hours, although it can vary based on individual factors and renal function. |
| suggested dosage | Dosage of paricalcitol should be individualized and adjusted based on the patient's specific needs, renal function, and response to therapy. Follow the guidance from a healthcare professional and the prescribing information provided with the medication. |
| indications | | 1 | Secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) | | 2 | Hypocalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia associated with CKD | | 3 | Hypocalcemia in other conditions, potentially in combination with calcium supplements (dosing and monitoring required) |
|
| safety in pregnancy | Limited data are available regarding the use of paricalcitol in pregnancy. Consult a healthcare professional. Potential risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Use during pregnancy should not be undertaken lightly; close monitoring of maternal and fetal status is recommended. Generally considered a pregnancy category C drug. Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in humans are lacking. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Limited data is available regarding the use of paricalcitol during breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare professional and weigh the potential benefits and risks to the mother and infant. Some degree of transfer to breast milk is possible, but the clinical relevance is currently unclear. |
| side effects | | 1 | Hypercalcemia | | 2 | Hypercalciuria | | 3 | Nausea | | 4 | Vomiting | | 5 | Anorexia | | 6 | Constipation | | 7 | Headache | | 8 | Fatigue | | 9 | Weakness | | 10 | Arthralgia | | 11 | Elevated serum creatinine | | 12 | Pruritus |
|
| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Hypercalcemia | | 2 | Severe renal impairment | | 3 | Hypervitaminosis D | | 4 | Known hypersensitivity to paricalcitol or any component of the formulation |
|
| interactions | | 1 | Calcium supplements (increased risk of hypercalcemia) | | 2 | Thiazide diuretics (increased risk of hypercalcemia) | | 3 | Certain medications that affect the cytochrome P450 system (may affect paricalcitol metabolism) | | 4 | Digitalis glycosides (potential for increased toxicity due to hypercalcemia) |
|
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Careful monitoring of serum calcium and phosphorus levels is essential. | | 2 | Close monitoring of renal function during treatment. | | 3 | Patients with a history of kidney stones should be closely monitored. | | 4 | Report any unusual symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, or bone pain. | | 5 | Consult a physician for concurrent medications. |
|
| additional informations | Paricalcitol is a more potent and longer-acting vitamin D analogue compared to other vitamin D options. Always adhere to the prescribed dosage and frequency. Do not adjust dosage without explicit medical advice from your doctor. |
| disclaimer | The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to medical treatment. |
