| Synonyms: |
(1S,3R,5Z,7E,22E)-9,10-secoergosta-5,7,10,22-tetraene-1,3-diol,
1alpha-hydroxyergocalciferol,
1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D2,
doxercalciferol,
doxercalciferolum,
Hectorol
|
| Definition: |
A hydroxy seco-steroid and synthetic vitamin D2 analogue that undergoes metabolic activation in vivo to form 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D2), a naturally occurring, biologically active form of vitamin D2. It is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the body produces excess parathyroid hormone (PTH; a natural substance needed to control the amount of calcium in the blood) in certain people with chronic kidney disease. |