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Paricalcitol

Generic Name: Paricalcitol (oral or injection) [Par-i-KAL-si-tol]
The Brand Name is Zemplar.
Forms of Dosage: Intravenous solution (2 mg/mL; 5 mg/mL); capsule for oral use (1 2 mg; Mcg; 4 mcg).
Drug Class: Vitamins

What is Paricalcitol?

Paricalcitol is a chemical (man-made) type that contains vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption and utilization of calcium in the stomach as well as its function within the body.

Paricalcitol is used to maintain normal amounts of parathyroid hormone for people suffering from renal disease who are taking dialysis.Paricalcitol oral can be used for children and adults who are aged 10 or older.Paricalcitol injections can be used for children and adults who are at least 5 years old.Paricalcitol can be used to treat other conditions that are not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Paricalcitol

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of a reaction, such as asthma, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,

Paricalcitol can cause severe adverse effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:

  • Speedy, slow, or heartbeats that pound;
  • The fever, flu symptoms, and oral as well as throat ulcers.
  • A new or more severe cough or fever; difficulty breathing;
  • A seizure;
  • Excessive calcium levels; increased calcium levels; vomiting; and loss of appetite. constipation, excessive thirst or vomiting, and confusion. loss of weight and fatigue

There is a higher chance of suffering a fractured bone in the event that the levels of your parathyroid hormone get too low. Discuss with your physician ways to reduce the chance of fractures.

Common adverse effects of paricalcitol could include:

  • Nausea, vomiting;
  • Swelling of your feet or hands;
  • Spin sensation or dizziness;
  • Joint pain
  • Nose that is runny.

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

cinacalcet, Sensipar, doxercalciferol, Zemplar, and Hectorol

Warnings

It is not recommended to take paricalcitol when you have a high level of vitamin D or calcium in your blood.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't take paricalcitol when you have an allergy to it or excessive levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body.

You shouldn't be treated with paricalcitol injections if you've ever experienced an extreme allergy to the drug.

Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:

  • High blood pressure;
  • The liver condition
  • The imbalance of electrolytes (such as a low level of magnesium, potassium, or magnesium in the blood).

Inform your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant.

If you breastfeed during the time of receiving paricalcitol, watch for signs of hypercalcemia in your infant (such as problems with feeding or constipation, vomiting, or seizures).

How to take Paricalcitol?

Follow all the instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed.

Paricalcitol is typically prescribed every two days or three times a week. Follow the doctor's advice carefully.Paricalcitol oral medicine is taken by mouth.You can take paricalcitol orally, in combination with food or not.

Paricalcitol injections are administered as an infusion into the vein during dialysis. Your healthcare provider will offer the injection.Contact your physician if you feel any pain, burning, or swelling after paricalcitol has been injected.

Your blood needs to be checked frequently. The doses you receive could be delayed depending on the results.Even if there are no symptoms, tests will help your doctor determine whether paricalcitol's effectiveness is high.

It is possible that you will need to adhere to special diets while taking paricalcitol. Follow the directions from your physician or dietitian. Find out about the foods you should consume or avoid in order to manage your illness.Keep paricalcitol taken orally in a cool, dry place away from light, moisture, and temperatures.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism:

Injectable:
Dose initial: 0.04 to 0.1 mcg/kg (2.8 to 7 mg) administered in a bolus form through an hemodialysis access port for vascular anytime during dialysis.
Maximum frequency each day
Comments:
Don't inject directly into a vein.

Treatment and prevention for primary hyperparathyroidism that is associated with chronic kidney disease stage 5
-----
Oral:
Initial dose:
Stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD):
Dosing for the initial dosage is based on the parathyroid hormone that is in good condition (iPTH):
500 pg/mL or less, 1 mcg daily orally, or 2 mcg taken orally three times per week
If you are over 500 mg/mL, take 2 mcg daily orally, or 4 mcg taken orally three times per week.
Stage 5 CKD:
Starting dose (micrograms) = baseline iPTH level (pg/mL)/80
The dose to start is administered three times per week, orally, if your baseline serum calcium level has been varied up to 9.5 mg/dL or less.
Comments:
If you are giving three times a week, don't give more often than on any other day.
Treatment and prevention for secondary hyperparathyroidism that is a result of:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) levels 3 or 4 (oral item only) or
Stage 5 CKD with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis (oral or injectable)

Normal Pediatric Dose for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism:

The safety and efficacy of the drug have not been proven in children.
The following are the dosages employed in a tiny study for children:
There is no data available for children who are younger than five years old.
Children 5–18 years old:
0.04 mg/kg 3 times per week if the parathyroid hormone (iPTH) is less than 500 pg/mL.
0.08 mg/kg three times a week if the baseline iPTH is 500 pg/mL or more.
Injected as a bolus dosage via hemodialysis vascular ports at any moment during dialysis.
Maximum frequency The maximum frequency is every other day.
Comments:
Do not inject directly into a vein.
Treatment and prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism that is associated with the chronic kidney condition Stage 5

What happens If I miss a dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

Since you'll receive paricalcitol injections in a medical setting, you're not likely to skip the dose. Consult your doctor in the event that you miss the appointment for hemodialysis.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Do not take calcium or vitamin D supplements without consulting with your doctor.If you're taking oral paricalcitol, consult your physician prior to using an antacid. And make sure you only use the one recommended by your physician.

Grapefruit could interfere with paricalcitol and cause undesirable adverse consequences. Beware of using products containing grapefruit.

Interaction with other drugs

Certain medicines may make paricalcitol less effective when taken simultaneously. If you are taking any of these medicines, then take your oral paricalcitol dose one hour prior or up to 4 hours after taking another medicine:

  • Cholestyramine;
  • Mineral oil.

Inform your doctor about all the medications you take. A variety of drugs can affect paricalcitol, specifically:

  • Digoxin (digitalis);
  • A diuretic "water pill";
  • Nefazodone;
  • A phosphate binder—the phosphate binder comprises ferric citrate, sevelamer, and lanthanum carbonate;
  • An antibiotic (clarithromycin, telithromycin);
  • Antifungal medicine—itraconazole, ketoconazole,
  • Antiviral medicine for treating HIV/AIDS: indinavir (nelfinavir), ritonavir, and saquinavir

This is not a complete list, and a variety of other medications could alter paricalcitol. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.

DRUG STATUS

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Prescription only

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