Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CALCIJEX versus DOXERCALCIFEROL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CALCIJEX versus DOXERCALCIFEROL.
CALCIJEX vs DOXERCALCIFEROL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in target tissues, increasing intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, promoting renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, and stimulating bone resorption. It also suppresses parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and secretion via negative feedback.
Doxercalciferol is a synthetic vitamin D2 analog that undergoes hepatic conversion to its active metabolite, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, which binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the parathyroid glands, reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and secretion. It also increases intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption and promotes bone mineralization.
Intravenous: 0.5 mcg three times per week during dialysis; may be increased by 0.25-0.5 mcg at 2-4 week intervals. Oral: 0.25 mcg daily; may be increased to 0.5 mcg daily.
0.5 mcg orally three times per week at each hemodialysis session; alternatively, 1 mcg orally three times per week. Intravenous: 0.5 mcg bolus three times per week at end of hemodialysis; titrate to target intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level.
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateDoxercalciferol + Hydrochlorothiazide
"Doxercalciferol may increase the hypercalcemic activities of Hydrochlorothiazide."
Clinical Note
moderateDoxercalciferol + Bendroflumethiazide
"Doxercalciferol may increase the hypercalcemic activities of Bendroflumethiazide."
Clinical Note
moderateDoxercalciferol + Methyclothiazide
"Doxercalciferol may increase the hypercalcemic activities of Methyclothiazide."
Clinical Note
moderateDoxercalciferol + Hydroflumethiazide
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life ranges from 5 to 10 hours in patients with normal renal function. In renal impairment, half-life may be prolonged up to 20 hours or more.
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 96 hours (range 48–168 hours) in patients with chronic kidney disease, reflecting slow release from adipose tissue and prolonged vitamin D receptor activation.
Primarily hepatic (biliary-fecal) elimination; approximately 2-4% excreted unchanged in urine. Small amount undergoes enterohepatic recirculation.
Primarily fecal (biliary) elimination; renal excretion accounts for <2% of unchanged drug in urine.
Category C
Category A/B
Vitamin D Analog
Vitamin D Analog
"Doxercalciferol may increase the hypercalcemic activities of Hydroflumethiazide."