Professional
Technical
cinacalcet
Pronunciation: sin-ah-KAL-set
Calcimimetic medication used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Full Definition
A calcimimetic agent that increases the sensitivity of calcium-sensing receptors on parathyroid chief cells, thereby reducing PTH secretion. Cinacalcet is primarily used in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic kidney disease or in select cases of primary hyperparathyroidism when surgery is contraindicated. The medication can help control serum calcium levels but does not address the underlying parathyroid pathology and may mask biochemical markers used for surgical decision-making.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize need to discontinue before surgical evaluation and localization studies.
In Context
- "Cinacalcet therapy should be discontinued prior to parathyroid surgery to allow accurate localization studies." — Preoperative instructions
- "The patient's cinacalcet was held for two weeks before repeat biochemical testing for hyperparathyroidism." — Medication management note
Also known as
Sensipar
Mimpara
Don't confuse with
calcium supplements
vitamin D analogs