Paricalcitol, ergocalciferol analog

Paricalcitrol2

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  • patented in 1989, approved for medical use in 1998
  • chemically:  19-nor-1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D2.
  • Marketed by Abbott Laboratories under the trade name Zemplar
  • drug used for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone) associated with chronic kidney failure.
  • analog of 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol, the active form of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).

Medical uses

Its primary use in medicine is in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease.

However current evidence is not sufficient to demonstrate an advantage of paricalcitol over non-selective vitamin D derivatives for this indication.

Adverse effects (similar to vitamin D)

Very common (>10% frequency):

  • Nausea

Common (1-10% frequency):

    Diarrhoea
    Edema
    Allergic reaction
    Arthritis
    Dizziness†
    Stomach discomfort‡
    Gastroesophageal reflux disease†
    Acne†
    Hypercalcaemia†
    Hypocalcaemia†
    Hyperphosphataemia
    Decreased appetite†
    Headache
    Breast tenderness†
    Taste changes
    Hypoparathyroidism
    Vertigo
    Rash‡

Uncommon (0.1-1% frequency):

    Abnormal hepatic enzymes‡
    Constipation‡
    Dry mouth‡
    Itchiness‡
    Hives - Urticaria
    Hypersensitivity‡
    Muscle spasms‡
    Bleeding time prolonged
    Aspartate aminotransferase increased
    Laboratory test abnormal
    Weight loss
    Elevated blood creatinine
    Cardiac arrest
    Arrhythmia
    Atrial flutter
    Anaemia
    Leucopenia
    Lymphadenopathy
    Coma
    Stroke
    Transient ischemic attack
    Fainting
    Myoclonus
    Hypoaesthesia
    Paraesthesia
    Glaucoma
    Conjunctivitis
    Ear disorder
    Pulmonary oedema
    Asthma
    Shortness of breath
    Nose bleed
    Cough
    Rectal haemhorrhage
    Colitis
    Gastritis
    Indigestion
    Difficulty swallowing
    Gastrointestinal disorder
    Gastrointestinal haemorrhage
    Bullous dermatitis
    Hair loss
    Hirsutism
    Hyperhidrosis
    Joint pain
    Joint stiffness
    Back pain
    Muscle twitching
    Muscle aches
    Hyperparathyroidism
    Hyperkalaemia
    Hypocalcemia
    Breast cancer
    Sepsis
    Pneumonia
    Infection
    Pharyngitis
    Vaginal infection
    Influenza
    High blood pressure
    Hypotension
    Gait disturbance
    Injection site pain
    Fever
    Chest pain
    Condition aggravated
    Muscle weakness
    Malaise
    Thirst
    Breast pain
    Impotence
    Confusional state
    Delirium
    Depersonalization
    Agitation
    Insomnia
    Nervousness

‡ These are adverse effects only seen in patients with grade 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease.

† These are adverse effects only seen in patients with grade 5 chronic kidney disease.