Salmon calcitonin in the acute management of hypercalcemia.

Salmon calcitonin has been used for the management of acute hypercalcemia for the past several years. Unlike other hypocalcemic agents, it is effective within 2 hours after first dosing. This pharmacologic agent shows peak effect at 24-48 hours and has a duration of action of 4-7 days in most cases. Its effectiveness may diminish thereafter despite continuous administration (the so-called "escape phenomenon"). Salmon calcitonin has been shown to be effective in the management of acute hypercalcemia due to a variety of causes, and, because of its low toxicity profile, it may be administered to patients with congestive heart failure or azotemia. Salmon calcitonin is also an analgesic agent in patients with pain associated with bone metastases and may be used in conjunction with other hypocalcemic agents such as mithramycin, the bisphosphonates, or gallium nitrate to prolong the clinical response to more than 1 week. Salmon calcitonin is therefore effective and safe in the management of acute hypercalcemia.