Definition: A class of relatively new drugs used in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease. They work by interacting with the calcium sensing receptors in the parathyroid glands and reducing the secretion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Important Points About Calcimimetics
- Unlike Vitamin D, which is also used to lower PTH levels, it is less likely to cause a potentially dangerous rise in serum calcium and phosphorus levels. In fact, they need to be monitored to make sure the serum calcium and phosphorus levels don’t get too low.
- Calcimimetics, such as Cinacalcet®, are being increasing used in combination with Vitamin D as a more effective way of treating secondary hyperaparathroidism of kidney disease than either alone.
Also Known As: Cinacalcet®