Paricalcitol
Generic Details
Generic Name
Paricalcitol
Other Names
- Zemplar
Drug Class
- Vitamin D Analogue
Chemical Formula
C27H44O3
Molecular Weight
416.63 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Activates Vitamin D receptor, regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism
Indications
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease
- Hypercalcemia in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Common Dosage Forms
- Capsule
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- Oral: 1-2 mcg/day
- Intravenous: 5-10 mcg three times a week
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Dose adjustment may be needed based on renal function
Side Effects
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypocalcemia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia
- Vitamin D toxicity
Pregnancy Category
- C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Not known if excreted in breast milk, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics
- Digoxin
- Phenobarbital
Overdose Symptoms
- Severe hypercalcemia
Antidote for Overdose
- Discontinue paricalcitol, administer fluids, loop diuretics, and corticosteroids if necessary
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed orally
- Distribution: Mainly bound to serum proteins
- Metabolism: Hepatic
- Excretion: Primarily fecal
Precautions
- Monitor serum calcium and phosphorus levels regularly
Warnings
- Risk of hypercalcemia, hypocalcemia, and vitamin D toxicity
Others
- Avoid in patients with high levels of vitamin D