What it means
In the body, calcitonin slows the breakdown of bone and so lowers the calciumKAL-see-umA mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.Full entry level in the blood. As a drug (calcitonin salmon), it is given as a nasal spray or by injection, intramuscular or subcutaneous (SUBQ), for Paget disease of bone, high blood calcium and, less often now, osteoporosis.
For the nurse
Ask about allergy to fish before the first dose. Watch for low calcium (tingling, muscle cramps). For the nasal spray, teach the client to switch nostrils each day and report nosebleeds or sores in the nose.
At a glance
| Drug class | hormone (bone resorption inhibitor) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Miacalcin |
| Spanish | calcitonina |
| Also written | Miacalcin, calcitonin salmon |
Related terms
calcium
A mineral that builds bones and teeth and that nerves, muscles, the heart and blood clotting need to work.
osteoporosis
A condition in which bones lose density and become thin, weak and easy to break.
thyr/o
A word part that means the thyroid gland.
thyroid hormone
A hormone made by the thyroid gland that controls how fast the body uses energy.