Calcimimetic: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
No edit summary Tag: Manual revert |
||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
{{drug-stub}} | {{drug-stub}} | ||
{{No image}} | {{No image}} | ||
Latest revision as of 01:31, 19 March 2025
Calcimimetic[edit]
Calcimimetics are a class of drugs designed to simulate the action of calcium on various tissues. They achieve this through the allosteric activation of the calcium-sensing receptor, which is expressed in several human organ tissues. Primarily used to treat hyperparathyroidism, calcimimetics like Cinacalcet play a crucial role in managing calcium levels in the body.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Calcimimetics function by mimicking the role of calcium at certain receptors in the body, particularly:
- Calcium-sensing Receptors: Found on the parathyroid gland, these receptors play a critical role in maintaining calcium homeostasis. When activated by calcimimetics, the sensitivity of these receptors to calcium is heightened.
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Regulation: Due to the increased sensitivity of calcium-sensing receptors, there's a perceived sufficiency in calcium levels, leading to a reduction in PTH secretion.
Cinacalcet[edit]
Cinacalcet (brand name: Sensipar) is the sole representative of this drug class. By mimicking calcium at the parathyroid hormone receptor, Cinacalcet increases the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptors on the parathyroid gland. This mechanism ultimately results in:
- Decreased secretion of PTH
- Lower observed calcium levels in the bloodstream
Therapeutic Use[edit]
Calcimimetics, including Cinacalcet, are primarily indicated for:
- Hyperparathyroidism Treatment: To address excessive production of parathyroid hormone, often seen in patients with chronic kidney disease or parathyroid carcinoma.
- Concurrent Therapy: Calcimimetics can be used alongside vitamin D therapies for a more comprehensive approach to treating disorders of calcium metabolism.
Side Effects[edit]
Like all medications, calcimimetics come with potential side effects. Some of the most common adverse reactions include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive disturbances can be a common occurrence.
- Hypocalcemia: Abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood, which can lead to muscle cramps, numbness, and seizures.
- Adynamic Bone Disease: This can manifest if iPTH levels plummet below 100pg/mL, leading to a decrease in bone turnover.
