Medicine & USMLE

Cinacalcet

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Other Endocrine Pharm
  1. Thionamides (PTU vs Methimazole)
  2. ADH Antagonists (Conivaptan, Tolvaptan)
  3. Levothyroxine (T4) vs Liothyronine (T3)
  4. Demeclocycline
  5. Desmopressin
  6. Cinacalcet
  7. Sevelamer

Summary

Cinacalcet is a calcimimetic drug that mimics the action of calcium to stimulate calcium sensors in the parathyroid gland. This stimulation reduces the production of parathyroid hormone. Due to this mechanism, cinacalcet is mainly used for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism.

Key Points

  • Cinacalcet
    • Mechanism
      • Calcimimetic; activates calcium-sensors (CaSR) in parathyroid gland
        • Decreased PTH secretion
    • Indications
      • Hyperparathyroidism
        • classically used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients.
        • May be used as adjunct therapy for primary hyperparathyroidism in addition to surgical resection
      • Adverse Effects
        • Hypocalcemia (obvious)