Drugs to treat disorders of bone and calcium homeostasis

Question 1

Drugs used in managing hypercalcaemia

Answer 1

Fluids (normal saline), furosemide (loop diuretic), calcitonin, alendronic acid (bisphosphonates)

Question 2

MoA of hypercalcaemia management drugs

Answer 2

Increased renal calcium excretion (saline, furosemide)

Inhibition of release of calcium from bone (calcitonin, bisphosphonates)

Question 3

Drugs used in managing hypocalcaemia

Answer 3

IV calcium gluconate, vitamin D

Question 4

MoA of hypocalcaemia management drugs

Answer 4

Restoration of calcium levels and retention

Question 5

Drugs used in managing Vitamin D deficiency

Answer 5

Vitamin D (colecalciferol often spelt cholecalciferol), calcitriol (1,25dihydroxyvitamin D; usually only used in cases of advanced chronic kidney disease)

Question 6

MoA of Vitamin D deficiency management drugs

Answer 6

Restoration of vitamin D levels

Question 7

Drugs used in managing osteoporosis

Answer 7

Alendronic acid (bisphosphonates), raloxifene, (selective oestrogen receptor modulator; SERM), parathyroid hormone, denosumab (monoclonal antibody), vitamin D

Question 8

MoA of osteoporosis management drugs

Answer 8

Inhibition of release of calcium from bone, inhibition of osteoclast activity