Calcitonin Uses, Side Effects, and More

Calcitonin

Brand name:- Calsynar , Zycalcit 100IU/ml amp.

Calcitonin (Salmon) is a calcitonin receptor agonist. It acts by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, cells that cause destruction of bone, thereby strengthening the bones and minimizing the risk of fractures.

Pharmacodynamic:- 

Administration of human calcitonin has shown to increase bone calcium content and reduce the levels of serum calcium and serum phosphorus. This calcium inhibition leads to decreases in urinary calcium, magnesium and urine hydroxyproline. Some reports indicate a calcitonin-driven reduction of phosphate plasma concentration which is thought to be related to increased excretion of phosphate. Calcitonin can increase excretion of calcium, phosphate, and sodium. It also is proven to induce the appearance of normal lamellar bone against the diseased trabeculae and a striking decrease in the number of osteoclasts. Bone pain tends to be relieved within a few weeks, and it does not present an important effect on normal bone. It is important to point out that human calcitonin is less active than the salmon calcitonin. This characteristic happens because of a high tendency to aggregate, and thus, human calcitonin is used just in cases where the usage of salmon calcitonin generated the formation of antibodies. For this reason, the use of human calcitonin is only indicated when there is the appearance of a high-titer of antibodies anti-salmon calcitonin because these antibodies are suggested to cause a relapse.

Mechanism of action:-

Calcitonin inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption through the regulation of the number and activity of osteoclasts. The action of human calcitonin on osteoclasts is due to a disruption of cytoskeletal organization, by the distraction of actin rings, and due to a disappearance of the cellular polarity of osteoclasts. At the subcellular level, calcitonin is suggested to perform its activity by the modulation of the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway.

 used:-

Used to treat certain bone problems (such as Paget's disease, postmenopausal osteoporosis) and to reduce high blood levels of calcium. Calcitonin is a man-made hormone that works by slowing bone loss and maintaining normal calcium levels in the blood.

Side effects :- 

Nausea, flushing and tingling of fingers is frequent after calcitonin injection. Bad taste ,flu - like symptoms, allergic reaction and joint pain are the other side effects.

Doses:-  As directed by your doctor .