Parathyroid disease

Treatment of hypoparathyroidism disease
Alfacalcidol
Alfacalcidol 250nanogram capsules

Initially 1microgram daily (elderly 500nanograms) adjusted to avoid hypercalcaemia; maintenance, usually 0.25-1microgram daily.

Alfacalcidol 500nanogram capsules

Initially 1microgram daily (elderly 500nanograms) adjusted to avoid hypercalcaemia; maintenance, usually 0.25-1microgram daily.

Alfacalcidol 1microgram capsules

Initially 1microgram daily (elderly 500nanograms) adjusted to avoid hypercalcaemia; maintenance, usually 0.25-1microgram daily.

Alfacalcidol 2micrograms/ml oral drops sugar free

Initially 1microgram daily (elderly 500nanograms) adjusted to avoid hypercalcaemia; maintenance, usually 0.25-1microgram daily.

Alfacalcidol 2micrograms/1ml solution for injection ampoules

Initially 1microgram daily (elderly 500nanograms) adjusted to avoid hypercalcaemia; maintenance, usually 0.25-1microgram daily.

Prescribing Notes:

  • If hypercalcaemia occurs, alfacalcidol should be stopped and restarted when plasma calcium is normal (usually within a week).
  • Supplemental calcium (usual dose 1-2g daily) may be required in addition to alfacalcidol. Care should be taken to avoid hypercalcaemia. For suitable products see the Hypocalcaemia recommendations in the Nutrition and blood chapter of the formulary.

History Notes

16/02/2022

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment of secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis
Cinacalcet
Cinacalcet 30mg tablets

Dose as per specialist.

Cinacalcet 60mg tablets

Dose as per specialist.

Cinacalcet 90mg tablets

Dose as per specialist.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Cinacalcet is recommended for patients on dialysis who have very high circulating concentrations of parathyroid hormone with or without high calcium concentrations despite other treatments or for whom parathyroidectomy is not appropriate.
  • People who receive cinacalcet should have regular checks. Treatment should be stopped if the parathyroid hormone levels in their blood do not fall substantially within 4 months. All monitoring and review related to cinacalcet should be carried out in specialist renal clinics.
  • Local guidance can be found on EdRen.

History Notes

03/05/2023

Pathway moved from Hypercalcaemia page to here.

20/04/2023

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment of hypoparathyroidism disease
Alfacalcidol
Alfacalcidol 250nanogram capsules

For dose, refer to BNF for Children and follow specialist advice.

Alfacalcidol 500nanogram capsules

For dose, refer to BNF for Children and follow specialist advice.

Alfacalcidol 1microgram capsules

For dose, refer to BNF for Children and follow specialist advice.

Alfacalcidol 2micrograms/ml oral drops sugar free

For dose, refer to BNF for Children and follow specialist advice.

Alfacalcidol 2micrograms/1ml solution for injection ampoules

For dose, refer to BNF for Children and follow specialist advice.

Prescribing Notes:

  • The dose should be adjusted according to biochemical monitoring.
  • If hypercalcaemia occurs, alfacalcidol should be stopped and restarted when plasma calcium is normal (usually within a week).
  • Supplemental calcium may be required in addition to alfacalcidol. Care should be taken to avoid hypercalcaemia. Preparation chosen according to child’s age and ability to take the medication, for suitable products see the Hypocalcaemia recommendations.

History Notes

29/02/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment of secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis
Cinacalcet
Cinacalcet 30mg tablets

Dose as per specialist.

Cinacalcet 60mg tablets

Dose as per specialist.

Cinacalcet 90mg tablets

Dose as per specialist.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Cinacalcet is recommended for patients on dialysis who have very high circulating concentrations of parathyroid hormone with or without high calcium concentrations despite other treatments or for whom parathyroidectomy is not appropriate.
  • People who receive cinacalcet should have regular checks. Treatment should be stopped if the parathyroid hormone levels in their blood do not fall substantially within 4 months. All monitoring and review related to cinacalcet should be carried out in specialist renal clinics.

History Notes

29/02/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.