Paricalcitol
Brand names: Zemplar
Paricalcitol is a synthetic vitamin D receptor activator used to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
It selectively activates vitamin D receptors, particularly in the parathyroid glands, suppressing parathyroid hormone synthesis and secretion with a relatively smaller effect on intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption.
Prescribing in practice
- It can cause hypercalcaemia and raise the calcium-phosphate product, so calcium and phosphate must be controlled and monitored to limit the risk of vascular calcification.
- Avoid concurrent use with other vitamin D compounds, and use phosphate binders as needed to manage phosphate.
- It is contraindicated in hypercalcaemia and vitamin D toxicity.
Monitoring
Monitor serum calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone regularly, especially after dose changes.
Counselling the patient
- Attend blood tests so calcium, phosphate and parathyroid levels can be checked.
- Report symptoms of high calcium such as nausea, thirst, constipation or confusion.
- Continue prescribed phosphate binders and follow dietary advice.
Evidence & guidelines
Paricalcitol is licensed for secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease, with trials demonstrating effective parathyroid hormone suppression.
Reference: NICE NG203; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.