Falecalcitriol

Falecalcitriol

Falecalcitriol is a synthetic vitamin D analogue used in the treatment of osteoporosis and other conditions that result in abnormal bone formation. It is a type of calcitriol, the hormonally active form of vitamin D, and is designed to mimic the effects of natural vitamin D in the body.

Mechanism of Action

Falecalcitriol works by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the body. This receptor is found in many different tissues, including the intestine, kidney, and bone. When falecalcitriol binds to the VDR, it stimulates the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestine and kidney, which helps to maintain proper levels of these minerals in the body. This in turn promotes the formation and maintenance of healthy bone tissue.

Uses

Falecalcitriol is primarily used in the treatment of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. It is also used to treat rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency that results in soft and weak bones in children, and osteomalacia, a similar condition in adults.

In addition, falecalcitriol may be used to treat hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, leading to high levels of calcium in the blood and potentially damaging the bones and other organs.

Side Effects

Like all medications, falecalcitriol can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less common side effects can include hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by excessively high levels of calcium in the blood, and hyperphosphatemia, a condition characterized by excessively high levels of phosphate in the blood.

See Also

• Calcitriol
• Vitamin D
• Osteoporosis
• Hyperparathyroidism