Generic
Doxercalciferol
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Doxercalciferol injection is used for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in adult patients with CKD on dialysis. It helps reduce PTH levels.
Description
Doxercalciferol is a synthetic vitamin D2 analog. It requires metabolic activation to form active 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, which binds to the vitamin D receptor to reduce PTH levels.
Indications
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD on dialysis
Pharmacological class
Synthetic vitamin D2 analog
Pharmacology
Doxercalciferol is a synthetic vitamin D2 analog. It is metabolized to active 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, which binds to the vitamin D receptor and inhibits PTH synthesis and secretion.
Mechanism of action
Doxercalciferol is converted to active 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, which binds to the vitamin D receptor and inhibits PTH synthesis and secretion.
Dosage
Adult Dose: 4 mcg IV bolus three times weekly at the end of dialysis (no more than every other day). Increase by 1-2 mcg at 8-week intervals based on PTH levels. Maximum dose: 18 mcg weekly.
Administration
Administered intravenously at the end of dialysis. Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Doxercalciferol, please consult your doctor.
Drug interactions
High doses of calcium-containing preparations or other vitamin D compounds increase hypercalcemia risk. Thiazide diuretics may induce hypercalcemia. May potentiate digitalis toxicity. CYP450 inhibitors may reduce formation of active doxercalciferol.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Doxercalciferol. Please consult your doctor.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypercalcemia
- Vitamin D toxicity
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Infection/bacterial infection/viral infection
- Constipation
- Rhinitis
- Anemia
- Cough
- Dyspnea
- Paresthesia
- Asthenia
- Insomnia
- Hypertonia
- Angina pectoris
Use in pregnancy
Limited data available for use during pregnancy. Use only if benefits outweigh risks.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Limited data available for use during lactation. Consider maternal clinical need and potential risks to the infant.
Precautions & warnings
- Hypercalcemia may occur leading to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.
- Anaphylaxis has been reported.
- Adynamic bone disease may develop if PTH is over-suppressed.
- More frequent monitoring needed in hepatic impairment.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy in children not established.
Geriatric use
Limited information available regarding dose adjustment for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Used in patients on dialysis.
Hepatic impairment: More frequent monitoring needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and hyperphosphatemia. Not expected to be removed by dialysis.
Therapeutic class
Vitamin D analog
Storage conditions
Store below 25°C, protected from light. After first use, may be stored for 3 days in refrigerator at 2°C-8°C.
Chemical structure
Doxercalciferol