Generic name:paricalcitol (intravenous route) [ par-i-KAL-si-tol ]
Drug class:Vitamins
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 8, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Zemplar
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Vitamin D Analog
Uses for Zemplar
Paricalcitol injection is used to treat and prevent hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis. Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that is caused when the parathyroid glands located in the neck make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone controls the concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in your blood. Paricalcitol helps lower the amount of PTH which lowers the calcium and phosphorus concentrations.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Zemplar
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of paricalcitol injection in children 5 years of age and older.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of paricalcitol injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication...
