Pamidronate Dosing

The recommended pamidronate dosage for treating high blood calcium due to cancer is 60 to 90 mg, taken as a single dose. To prevent bone problems in people with cancer, the suggested dose is 90 mg (taken either once a month or every three to four weeks). Pamidronate dosing for the treatment of Paget's disease starts at 30 mg daily for three consecutive days.

 

Pamidronate Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of pamidronate disodium (Aredia®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How well your kidneys are functioning
  • The condition being treated
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As always, do not adjust your pamidronate dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Pamidronate Dosing for High Blood Calcium

The recommended pamidronate dose for treating high blood calcium due to cancer (known medically as hypercalcemia of malignancy) is 60 to 90 mg as a single dose, depending on the severity of your hypercalcemia. The dose should be given by IV over 2 to 24 hours. Giving the dose over shorter periods of time may increase the risk of kidney damage. While many people will respond after just one dose, a second dose may be necessary. In this case, the second dose should be given at least a week after the first dose (to give the first dose a chance to work).
 

Pamidronate Dosing for Paget's Disease

The recommended pamidronate dose for treating Paget's disease of bone is 30 mg daily for three days in a row. The doses should be given by IV and should take four hours each dose. Most studies of pamidronate for Paget's disease used just a single dose of the drug. However, your healthcare provider may recommend re-treatment with pamidronate if necessary.
(Pamidronate Dosing Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;