Drug Therapy in Moderate or Severe Hypercalcaemia

Drug Therapy in Moderate or Severe Hypercalcaemia

Class of drug	Indication
Bisphosphonate (e.g. pamidronate, zolendronic acid)	First choice in hypercalcaemia usually due to non-haematological malignancy or primary hyperparathyroidism
Calcitonin	Failure to respond to bisphosphonate
Glucocorticoid	Hypercalcaemia due to myeloma, lymphoma, vitamin D toxicity and sarcoidosis

Class of drug

Indication

(e.g. pamidronate, zolendronic acid)

First choice in hypercalcaemia usually due to non-haematological malignancy or primary hyperparathyroidism

Calcitonin

Failure to respond to bisphosphonate

Glucocorticoid

Hypercalcaemia due to myeloma, lymphoma, vitamin D toxicity and sarcoidosis