- Discussion:
- inhibitor of RNA synthesis in osteoclasts;
- an effective treatment for hypercalcemia;
- given intravenously in a dose of 25 microg per kilogram over a period of four to six hours;
- dose can be repeated several times at intervals of 24 to 48 hours, although a single dose may be sufficient to normalize the serum calcium concentration;
- serum calcium concentration begins to decrease as early as 12 hours after the administration of the drug, and the maximal reduction occurs in 48 to 72 hours;
- duration of normocalcemia after the administration of plicamycin ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of ongoing bone resorption;
- toxicity may become an issue;
- toxic to the kidney, liver, hematopoetic system