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Parathyroid hormone

Bisphosphonate · Hormone replacement therapy

Also known as Human recombinant parathyroid hormone, rhPTH 1-84

BisphosphonateHormone replacement therapy
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
2 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated
Top interactions
  • DigitoxinSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • DigoxinSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Parathyroid hormone is produced by recombinant DNA technology. Endogenous parathyroid hormone modulates serum calcium and phosphate levels, regulates renal calcium and phosphate excretion, activates vitamin D, and maintains normal bone turnover. It is a single-chain peptide hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate flux across cellular membranes in bone and kidney, resulting in increased serum calcium and decreased serum phosphate by increasing the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Indications

Chronic hypoparathyroidism (specialist use only)

Dosing

Adult
Consult product literature. Administered by subcutaneous injection.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life
rapid, with a half-time of disappearance measured in minutes
Metabolism
Most of the clearance occurs in the liver and kidney.
Excretion
Most of the clearance occurs in the liver and kidney.

Contraindications

  • Bone metastases
  • Current or previous radiation therapy to skeleton
  • Increased risk factors for osteosarcoma (including Paget's disease or hereditary disorders)
  • Pseudohypoparathyroidism
  • Skeletal malignancy
  • Unexplained raised levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase
  • Concomitant use of cardiac glycosides (hypercalcaemia may predispose to digitalis toxicity)

Drug interactions

Digitoxin
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Digoxin
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

3 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.

Related guidelines

Other Bisphosphonate drugs

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Sources: Katzung, BNF, Nelson, Harriet Lane·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team