Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Quick facts
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human prescription drug
- RxNorm ID
- 432400
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is used to treat
Cinacalcet is a positive modulator of the calcium sensing receptor indicated for: Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. ( 1.1 ) Limitations of Use : Cinacalcet tablets are not indicated for use in patients with CKD who are not on dialysis Hypercalcemia in adult patients with Parathyroid Carcinoma (PC). ( 1.2 ) Hypercalcemia in adult patients with primary HPT for whom parathyroidectomy would be indicated on the basis of serum calcium levels, but who are unable to undergo parathyroidectomy. ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Cinacalcet tablets are indicated for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. Limitations of Use: Cinacalcet tablets are not indicated for use in patients with CKD who are not on dialysis because of an increased risk of hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. 1.2 Parathyroid Carcinoma Cinacalcet tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypercalcemia in adult patients with Parathyroid Carcinoma [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . 1.3 Primary Hyperparathyroidism Cinacalcet tablets are indicated for the treatment of hypercalcemia in adult patients with primary HPT for whom parathyroidectomy would be indicated on the basis of serum calcium levels, but who are unable to undergo parathyroidectomy. [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] .
About this medicine
Cinacalcet tablets contain the hydrochloride salt of cinacalcet, a positive modulator of the calcium sensing receptor. The empirical formula for cinacalcet is C 22 H 22 F 3 N⋅HCl with a molecular weight of 393.9 g/mol (hydrochloride salt) and 357.4 g/mol (free base). It has one chiral center having an R-absolute configuration. The R-enantiomer is the more potent enantiomer and has been shown to be responsible for pharmacodynamic activity. The hydrochloride salt of cinacalcet is a white to off-white, crystalline solid that is soluble in methanol or 95% ethanol and slightly soluble in water. The hydrochloride salt of cinacalcet is described chemically as N-[1-(R)-(-)-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-aminopropane hydrochloride and has the following structural formula: Cinacalcet tablets are formulated as light-green, film-coated, oval-shaped tablets for oral administration in strengths of 30 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg of cinacalcet as the free base equivalent (33 mg, 66 mg, and 99 mg as the hydrochloride salt, respectively). Inactive Ingredients The following are the inactive ingredients in cinacalcet tablets: pre-gelatinized starch (botanical source is maize starch), microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, crospovidone, magnesium stearate and isopropyl alcohol. Tablets are coated with Opadry II Green (hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, triacetin, FD&C blue #2/indigo carmine AL, iron oxide yellow). Image
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The calcium-sensing receptor on the surface of the chief cell of the parathyroid gland is the principal regulator of PTH synthesis and secretion. Cinacalcet, the active ingredient in cinacalcet tablets is a calcimimetic agent that directly lowers PTH levels by increasing the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptor to activation by extracellular calcium. The reduction in PTH is associated with a concomitant decrease in serum calcium levels.
Who should not take it
Cinacalcet tablets treatment initiation is contraindicated if serum calcium is less than the lower limit of the normal range [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Cinacalcet tablets treatment initiation is contraindicated if serum calcium is less than the lower limit of the normal range. ( 4 , 5.1 )
Warnings and cautions
Hypocalcemia: Life threatening events and fatal outcomes were reported. Hypocalcemia can prolong QT interval, lower the threshold for seizures, and cause hypotension, worsening heart failure, and/or arrhythmia. Monitor serum calcium carefully for the occurrence of hypocalcemia during treatment. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ). Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding: Patients with risk factors for upper GI bleeding may be at increased risk. Monitor patients and promptly evaluate and treat any suspected GI bleeding. ( 5.2 ). Hypotension, Worsening Heart Failure and/or Arrhythmias : In postmarketing safety surveillance, isolated, idiosyncratic cases of hypotension, worsening heart failure, and/or arrhythmia have been reported in patients with impaired cardiac function. ( 5.3 ) Adynamic Bone Disease : May develop if iPTH levels are suppressed below 100 pg/mL. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Hypocalcemia Cinacalcet tablets lowers serum calcium and can lead to hypocalcemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Significant lowering of serum calcium can cause paresthesias, myalgias, muscle spasms, tetany, seizures, QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia. Life threatening events and fatal outcomes associated with hypocalcemia have been reported in patients treated with cinacalcet tablets, including in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of cinacalcet tablets have not been established in pediatric patients [see Pediatric Use ( 8.4 )]. Cinacalcet tablets are not indicated for patients with CKD not on dialysis [see Indications and Usage ( 1 )] . In patients with secondary HPT and CKD not on dialysis, the long-term safety and efficacy of cinacalcet tablets have not been established. Clinical studies indicate that cinacalcet-treated patients with CKD not on dialysis have an increased risk for hypocalcemia compared with cinacalcet-treated patients with CKD on dialysis, which may be due to lower baseline calcium levels. […]
Reported side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hypocalcemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypotension, Worsening Heart Failure and/or Arrhythmias [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Adynamic Bone Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] The most common adverse reactions (i.e., ≥ 25%) associated with cinacalcet were nausea and vomiting. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cipla Ltd., at 1-866-604-3268 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on Dialysis In three double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, 1126 patients with CKD on dialysis received study drug (656 cinacalcet, 470 placebo) for up to 6 months. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are listed in Table 1. Seizures were observed in 1.4% (13/910) of cinacalcet-treated patients and 0.7% (5/641) of placebo-treated patients across all completed placebo-controlled trials. Table 1. […]
Interactions with other medicines
Co-administration with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor may increase serum levels of cinacalcet. Dose adjustment and monitoring of iPTH serum phosphorus and serum calcium may be required. ( 7.1 ) Cinacalcet is a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6. Dose adjustments may be required for concomitant medications that are predominantly metabolized by CYP2D6. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Cinacalcet is partially metabolized by CYP3A4. Dose adjustment of cinacalcet tablets may be required if a patient initiates or discontinues therapy with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole). The iPTH and serum calcium concentrations should be closely monitored in these patients [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . 7.2 CYP2D6 Substrates Cinacalcet is a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6. Dose adjustments may be required for concomitant medications that are predominantly metabolized by CYP2D6 (e.g., desipramine, metoprolol, and carvedilol) and particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., flecainide and most tricyclic antidepressants) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
Use in specific groups
Pediatric Use: A fatal outcome was reported in a pediatric clinical trial patient with severe hypocalcemia. Cinacalcet tablets is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. ( 8.4 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited case reports of cinacalcet use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, when female rats were exposed to cinacalcet during the period of organogenesis through to weaning at 2-3 times the systemic drug levels (based on AUC) at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 180 mg/day, peripartum and early postnatal pup loss and reduced pup body weight gain were observed in the presence of maternal hypocalcemia [see Data] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In pregnant female rats given oral gavage doses of 2, 25, 50 mg/kg/day cinacalcet during gestation, no teratogenicity was observed at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day (exposure 4 times those resulting with a human oral dose of 180 mg/day based on AUC comparison). Decreased fetal body weights were observed at all doses (less than 1 to 4 times a human oral dose of 180 mg/day based on AUC comparison) in conjunction with maternal toxicity (decreased food consumption and body weight gain). In pregnant female rabbits given oral gavage doses of 2, 12, 25 mg/kg/day cinacalcet during gestation, no adverse fetal effects were observed (exposures less than with a human oral dose of 180 mg/day based on AUC comparisons). Reductions in maternal food consumption and body weight gain were seen at doses of 12 and 25 mg/kg/day. Cinacalcet has been shown to cross the placental barrier in rabbits. In pregnant rats given oral gavage doses of 5, 15, 25 mg/kg/day cinacalcet during gestation through lactation, no adverse fetal or pup (post-weaning) effects were observed at 5 mg/kg/day (exposures less than with a human therapeutic dose of 180 mg/day based on AUC comparisons). […]
If too much is taken
Overdosage of cinacalcet may lead to hypocalcemia. In the event of overdosage, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia and appropriate measures taken to correct serum calcium levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Since cinacalcet is highly protein bound, hemodialysis is not an effective treatment for overdosage of cinacalcet tablets.
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 12 December 2025. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.