Cinacalcet for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, FACVP, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Instinct Science

ArticleFebruary 20261 min read
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Full cinacalcet drug information and a pet owner handout can be found at Plumbs.

What is Cinacalcet?

Cinacalcet is an oral treatment alternative for canine primary hyperparathyroidism in cases in which surgical treatment is not an option.  

Pharmacology of Cinacalcet

Cinacalcet is a calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) agonist that increases sensitivity of the CaSR to extracellular calcium concentrations. The resulting decrease in parathyroid hormone secretion is associated with a reduction in serum calcium concentration.

Contraindications of Cinacalcet

Cinacalcet is contraindicated in dogs hypersensitive to it and in dogs with serum calcium below the lower limit of the reference interval.

Adverse Effects of Cinacalcet

In dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism treated with cinacalcet, adverse effects include lethargy (64%), anorexia (64%), shaking (21%), and vomiting (14%).1

Additional Information & Administration Instructions 

A comprehensive look at how to manage dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism is offered by the experts at Standards of Care (paid subscription only).