Calcitonin
Molecule Description
Calcitonin is a hormone that is produced and released by the C-cells in the thy
roid gland. It opposes the action of the parathyroid hormone, helping to regulate the blood’s calcium and phosphate levels.
Uses of Calcitonin
- This medicine is used to treat specific bone problems such as Paget’s disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis
- It is also used to reduce high blood levels of calcium
Contraindications of Calcitonin
When should one not use Calcitonin
- Cancer
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Low amount of calcium in the blood
- Allergy to the medicine
Side effects of Calcitonin
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Swelling or redness at the injection site
- Salty taste in mouth
- Increased urination
- Loss of appetite may also occur
Precautions and Warnings of Calcitonin
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Calcitonin during pregnancy?
A:
It is probably unsafe to use during pregnancy. Consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Calcitonin while breastfeeding?
A:
It is advised to consult with your doctor before breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Calcitonin?
A:
No interaction found.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Calcitonin?
A:
No relevant information found yet.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
Symptoms persist for more than five days.
Mode of Action of Calcitonin
How Does It Work?
The main action is to increase bone calcium content and decrease the blood calcium level when it rises above normal. It also lowers blood phosphorus level when that rises above normal. It opposes the effects of parathyroid hormone, which acts to increase the blood level of calcium....
Interactions of Calcitonin
Interactions with other medicines
This medicine interacts with medicines like Lithium, Foscarnet Sodium, Morphine, Cimetidine, and Naltrexone.
Interactions with food items
No specific results are available.
Dosage of Calcitonin
Overdose
- Low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
- Symptoms like muscle twitching, tetanic spasms, and convulsions (hypocalcemic tetany- in high-risk people during the first few doses)
- This medicine should be administered in a hospital set up where management of overdose is possible
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Calcitonin?
A: You should not use Calcitonin if you are allergic to it, tell the list of medicines you are using, and discuss your present medical conditions with your doctor before using this medicine.
Q: What precautions should I take while on treatment with Calcitonin?
- This medicine will reduce blood calcium levels. Any unusual symptoms related to muscles, bones or joints should be brought to the notice of your doctor immediately
- If this medicine becomes ineffective in your body, the levels of calcium in your blood will rise again. You must watch out for such a condition, that can be recognized by bone pain, kidney stones excess urination, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, thirst, constipation, lethargy, slow heartbeats, poor muscle tone, sudden fracture, psychosis, and coma. Report immediately, if you see any of the above such symptoms. If you are using nasal spray, report any nasal symptoms...
Q: When and how to consume Calcitonin?
A: Calcitonin is given by injection under the skin or into a muscle. Use this medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
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