Indications & Uses
Calcitonin is used to treat active Paget's disease when other treatments haven't worked or aren't suitable for the patient, as well as to treat hypercalcaemia (high calcium levels in the blood).
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
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.
Side Effects
GI disturbances, dizziness, flushing, tingling of the hands, unpleasant taste, skin rash, abdominal pain, urinary frequency, tremor, inj site inflammation. Rarely, diabetogenic effect.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Skin testing is recommended before starting treatment. Use with caution in heart failure or kidney impairment. Not recommended in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the drug, and low blood calcium levels.