How is hypercalcemia treated?
Oct 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, hypercalcemia may be caused by long-term excessive calcium supplementation, prolonged bed rest, primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D toxicity, chronic kidney disease, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, surgical treatment, or other approaches under a doctor's guidance. Regular monitoring of blood calcium levels is necessary in daily life.
Generally, hypercalcemia may be caused by long-term excessive calcium supplementation, prolonged bed rest, primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D toxicity, chronic kidney disease, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, surgery, or other treatments. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Long-term excessive calcium supplementation: Excessive daily intake of calcium supplements or calcium-containing products beyond the body’s metabolic capacity can lead to elevated blood calcium levels. Discontinue unnecessary calcium supplements and calcium-rich preparations immediately. Adjust dietary habits by reducing consumption of high-calcium foods such as milk and soy products, and increase water intake to promote calcium excretion through urine.
2. Prolonged bed rest: Extended periods of immobility reduce bone utilization of calcium while increasing calcium release into the bloodstream, leading to hypercalcemia—commonly seen in postoperative or critically ill patients. Gradually increase physical activity under medical supervision, starting with turning in bed and sitting up, progressing to standing and walking, to enhance bone calcium uptake and lower blood calcium levels.
3. Primary hyperparathyroidism: Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone promotes calcium release from bones, resulting in elevated blood calcium levels, often accompanied by symptoms such as bone pain and fatigue. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as salmon calcitonin injection, pamidronate disodium injection, or zoledronic acid injection to reduce blood calcium. If drug therapy proves ineffective, parathyroidectomy (surgical removal of abnormal parathyroid tissue) may be considered to reduce parathyroid hormone secretion.
4. Vitamin D toxicity: Excessive intake of vitamin D supplements enhances intestinal and renal absorption of calcium, causing increased blood calcium levels, often accompanied by symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Immediately discontinue vitamin D supplements and follow medical instructions to use corticosteroids such as dexamethasone tablets, prednisolone tablets, or hydrocortisone tablets to suppress calcium absorption.
5. Chronic kidney disease: Reduced renal capacity to excrete calcium leads to calcium accumulation in the body and elevated blood calcium levels, often associated with impaired kidney function. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as calcium carbonate tablets, calcitriol soft capsules, or calcium acetate capsules to regulate calcium-phosphate metabolism. Additionally, protein intake should be controlled to reduce the burden on the kidneys.
Routine monitoring of blood calcium levels is essential. Avoid self-administering calcium or vitamin D supplements without medical advice. Maintain moderate physical activity and avoid prolonged bed rest. Follow a balanced diet with appropriate control of calcium intake, and adopt comprehensive management strategies to maintain stable blood calcium levels and protect organ functions.
