Calcitonin is indicated in Active Paget's disease in patients who do not respond to alternative treatments or for whom such treatments are not suitable; Hypercalcaemia.
Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone produced by the ultimobranchial gland in non-mammalian vertebrates or by the mammalian thyroid parafollicular cells. It inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and reduces bone turnover. It decreases tubular reabsorption and promotes renal excretion of Ca, Cl, Na, Mg, K and phosphate.
Intravenous (Adult)- Emergency treatment of hypercalcaemia : Up to 10 u/kg in 500 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% by slow IV infusion over at least 6 hr. Parenteral (Adult)- Adjunct in hypercalcaemia: SC/IM: 4 u/kg 12 hrly, may increase after 1-2 days to 8 u/kg 12 hrly to max 8 u/kg 6 hrly after 2 days. Alternatively, 100 u every 6-8 hr, increased after 1-2 days to max 400 u every 6-8 hr. Paget's disease of bone: SC/IM: 50 u 3 times wkly to 100 u/day. Nasal (Adult)- Nasal postmenopausal osteoporosis: 200 u/day, alternation nostrils everyday.
GI disturbances, dizziness, flushing, tingling of the hands, unpleasant taste, skin rash, abdominal pain, urinary frequency, tremor, inj site inflammation. Rarely, diabetogenic effect.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
Hypersensitivity. Patients with hypocalcaemia.
Concurrent use wth cardiac glycosides (e.g. digitalis) or Ca-channel blockers requires dosage adjustments of these drugs. May decrease serum concentration of lithium.
Skin test should be done before initiating therapy. Heart failure; renal impairment. Pregnancy, lactation, childn.