Parathyroid hormone
Also known as: Natpar, Natpara, parathormone, Parathyroid hormone, PTH, PTH(1-84), rhPTH(1-84), Teriparatide
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Summary
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a 84‑amino‑acid peptide that regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Recombinant forms (e.g., teriparatide 1‑34 and Natpara 1‑84) are used clinically for osteoporosis and hypoparathyroidism.
Mechanism of Action
Activates PTH1R (G protein-coupled receptor) on osteoblasts and renal tubules, stimulating cAMP/PKA pathways that increase bone remodeling, renal calcium reabsorption, and 1α‑hydroxylase activity for vitamin D activation.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Serum calcium normalizationMetabolicHigh
- Restore serum calcium in hypoparathyroidismHypocalcemiaHigh
- Bone anabolism / osteoporosis managementMusculoskeletalHigh
- Treatment of hypoparathyroidismEndocrine / Calcium HomeostasisHigh
- Reduction of supplemental calcium/vitamin D burdenQuality Of LifeModerate
- Increase bone mineral densityBone HealthHigh
Contraindications
- Conditions predisposing to osteosarcoma (e.g., Paget's disease, prior radiation to skeleton, open epiphyses)Oncologic / SkeletalHigh
- Hypersensitivity to rhPTH or excipientsAllergic / ImmunologicHigh
- HypercalcemiaMetabolic DisorderHigh
- Pre-existing hypercalcemiaMetabolicHigh
- Bone metastases or skeletal malignanciesOncologyHigh
- Malignancy or skeletal metastasesOncologicHigh
- Pediatric patients with open epiphysesPediatricHigh
- Paget disease of boneSkeletalModerate
Adverse Effects
- HypercalcemiaMetabolicCommon
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- NauseaGastrointestinalCommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
- Leg crampsMusculoskeletalUncommon
- OsteosarcomaOncologyRare
- Hypocalcemia (upon discontinuation)MetabolicCommon
- DizzinessNeurologicUncommonFeeling faint, lightheaded, or unsteady
Drug Interactions
- Loop diureticsModerate
- GlucocorticoidsModerate
- Active vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol)Moderate
- DigoxinHigh
- Calcium supplements / Vitamin DLow
- Calcium supplementsLow
- Thiazide diureticsModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Lactating womenReproductiveRelative
- Elderly patientsAgeRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Patients with renal impairment (severe, CrCl <30 mL/min)RenalRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high riskNatpara not approved in EU as of 2024.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high risk, hypoparathyroidism (Natpara)Teriparatide limited to 2 years total lifetime exposure.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: osteoporosisSame as EU; Natpara not marketed.
Approved in the US and EU for osteoporosis (teriparatide) and in the US for hypoparathyroidism (Natpara). Use limited to ≤2 years for osteoporosis due to osteosarcoma risk in animal studies.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parathyroid hormone?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a 84‑amino‑acid peptide that regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Recombinant forms (e.g., teriparatide 1‑34 and Natpara 1‑84) are used clinically for osteoporosis and hypoparathyroidism.
What is Parathyroid hormone used for?
Parathyroid hormone is educationally associated with: Serum calcium normalization, Restore serum calcium in hypoparathyroidism, Bone anabolism / osteoporosis management, Treatment of hypoparathyroidism, Reduction of supplemental calcium/vitamin D burden, Increase bone mineral density. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Parathyroid hormone administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Parathyroid hormone?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypercalcemia, Injection site reactions, Headache, Nausea, Leg cramps, Osteosarcoma, Hypocalcemia (upon discontinuation), Dizziness. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Parathyroid hormone?
Recorded contraindications: Conditions predisposing to osteosarcoma (e.g., Paget's disease, prior radiation to skeleton, open epiphyses), Hypersensitivity to rhPTH or excipients, Hypercalcemia, Pre-existing hypercalcemia, Bone metastases or skeletal malignancies, Malignancy or skeletal metastases, Pediatric patients with open epiphyses, Paget disease of bone. Consult a qualified clinician before use.