Paricalcitol - Uses and Side Effects

Paricalcitol is a synthetic form of vitamin D that is used to treat and prevent abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

Paricalcitol FAQ

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What is paricalcitol used for?

What is paricalcitol? Paricalcitol is a synthetic (man-made) form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body. Paricalcitol is used to help maintain healthy levels of parathyroid hormone in people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis.

What class is paricalcitol?

This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as vitamin d and derivatives. These are compounds containing a secosteroid backbone, usually secoergostane or secocholestane. Anchel Schwartz, Alexei Ploutno, Koby Wolfman, "Preparation of paricalcitol." U.S. Patent US20070149489, issued June 28, 2007.

What are the side effects of paricalcitol?

Paricalcitol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: high calcium levels--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, confusion, weight loss, tiredness. You may be more likely to have a broken bone if your parathyroid hormone levels get too low.

Is paricalcitol the same as alfacalcidol?

It is likely that you have been prescribed alfacalcidol, a similar drug to paricalcitol before, but your doctor has decided to prescribe you paricalcitol instead as this may help to control your calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels more effectively. How do I take my paricalcitol capsules? Paricalcitol is taken three times weekly.