Generic
Salmon Calcitonin
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Salmon Calcitonin is a hormone used for the treatment of Paget's disease, hypercalcemia, and postmenopausal osteoporosis. It inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption, reducing bone loss and increasing bone density.
Description
Salmon Calcitonin is a polypeptide hormone produced by the ultimobranchial gland in non-mammalian vertebrates or by thyroid parafollicular cells. It inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption, reduces bone turnover, decreases tubular reabsorption, and promotes renal excretion of Ca, Cl, Na, Mg, K, and phosphate.
Indications
- Active Paget's disease (non-responsive to alternative treatments)
- Hypercalcemia
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis (>5 years postmenopause)
Therapeutic class
Hormone in Bone Formation (Inhibiting Bone Resorption)
Pharmacological class
Calcitonin Analog
Pharmacology
Salmon Calcitonin inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and reduces bone turnover. It decreases tubular reabsorption and promotes renal excretion of Ca, Cl, Na, Mg, K, and phosphate. This reduces bone loss and increases bone mineral density.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption to reduce bone loss and increase bone density.
Dosage
Adult Dose:
- Hypercalcemia (IV): 10 u/kg in 500 mL NaCl 0.9% slow IV infusion (≥6 hours)
- Hypercalcemia (SC/IM): 4 u/kg every 12 hours; increase to 8 u/kg every 12 hours after 1-2 days; max 8 u/kg every 6 hours
- Paget's disease (SC/IM): 50 u 3 times weekly to 100 u/day
- Postmenopausal osteoporosis (Nasal spray): 200 u/day (alternate nostrils daily)
Administration
- SC/IM injection: Administered by a healthcare professional
- Nasal spray: Spray into one nostril while closing the other; direct spray sideways; breathe gently with head upright; alternate nostrils daily
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Runny nose and nasal irritation (nasal spray)
- GI disturbances, dizziness, flushing
- Tingling of hands, skin rash, abdominal pain
- Injection site inflammation
Precautions & warnings
- Perform skin test before initiating therapy
- Caution in heart failure and renal impairment
- Caution in pregnancy, lactation, and children
- Discontinue if nosebleeds or ulceration inside the nose occurs
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypocalcemia
Drug interactions
- Cardiac glycosides (digitalis) or Ca-channel blockers: Dose adjustment required
- Lithium: May decrease serum concentration
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Salmon Calcitonin; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Animal studies show adverse effects on the fetus; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Caution required in elderly patients
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Not applicable
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause flushing, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness; provide symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at 2-8°C in a refrigerator; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Salmon Calcitonin