Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CALCIJEX versus HECTOROL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CALCIJEX versus HECTOROL.
CALCIJEX vs HECTOROL
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.
Synthetic vitamin D analog that binds to vitamin D receptors (VDR), increasing intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, and promoting bone mineralization. Also suppresses parathyroid hormone (PTH) production.
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 to 1.5 mcg intravenously three times weekly during hemodialysis; adjust to maintain serum intact PTH within target range (1.5 to 3 times upper limit of normal). Initial dose: 0.5 mcg three times weekly; may increase by 0.25 to 0.5 mcg at 2- to 4-week intervals.
None Documented
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 5.0 hours in healthy adults; prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment.
Primarily hepatic (biliary-fecal) elimination; approximately 2-4% excreted unchanged in urine. Small amount undergoes enterohepatic recirculation.
Primarily hepatic metabolism followed by biliary excretion; renal excretion accounts for <2% of unchanged drug.
Category C
Category C
Vitamin D Analog
Vitamin D Analog