Zemplar Capsules
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Zemplar Capsules
ZEMPLAR®
(paricalcitol) Capsules
DRUG DESCRIPTION
Paricalcitol, USP, the active ingredient in Zemplar Capsules, is a synthetically manufactured analog of calcitriol, the metabolically active form of vitamin D indicated for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease. Zemplar is available as soft gelatin capsules for oral administration containing 1 microgram, 2 micrograms or 4 micrograms of paricalcitol. Each capsule also contains medium chain triglycerides, alcohol, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The medium chain triglycerides are fractionated from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. The capsule shell is composed of gelatin, glycerin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide red (2 microgram capsules only), iron oxide yellow (2 microgram and 4 microgram capsules), iron oxide black (1 microgram capsules only), and water.
Paricalcitol is a white, crystalline powder with the empirical formula of C27H44O3, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 416.64. Paricalcitol is chemically designated as 19nor-1α,3β,25-trihydroxy-9,10-secoergosta-5(Z),7(E),22(E)-triene and has the following structural formula:
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What are the possible side effects of paricalcitol (Zemplar)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking paricalcitol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- chest pain, feeling short of breath;
- feeling like you might pass out;
- swelling, rapid weight gain;
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- dry mouth, drowsiness, increased urination, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Zemplar Capsules »
What are the precautions when taking paricalcitol (Zemplar Capsules)?
Before taking paricalcitol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), high levels of vitamin D (hypervitaminosis D).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), seizures.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly...
Last reviewed on RxList: 7/20/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Additional Zemplar Capsules Information
Zemplar Capsules - User Reviews
Zemplar Capsules User Reviews
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