Defrol 20000 IU (10pcs Box)

Indications of Defrol 20000 IU Capsule

Rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis, preeclampsia, prediabetes.

Pharmacology of Defrol 20000 IU Capsule

The active form of Vitamin D3 calcitriol exerts its effect by binding to the Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) which are widely distributed through many body tissues. Vitamin D3 is absorbed in the small intestine and bound to specific globulins and transported to the liver where it is metabolized to 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 (calcidiol). A second hydroxylation to 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (calcitriol) occurs in the kidney. This metabolite is responsible for the vitamin’s ability to increase the absorption of calcium. Non-metabolized Vitamin D3 is stored in tissues such as fat and muscle. Vitamin D3 is eliminated via feces and urine. 

Defrol 20000 IU Capsule Dosage & Administration

For capsule: Adults:

Treatment of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 40000 IU once weekly for 7 weeks. Doses for maintenance therapy are 1400-2000 IU/day. To confirm the target level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, measurement of it should be determined 3-4 months after initiating the maintenance therapy.

Prevention of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 20000 IU every 4 weeks. Higher doses may be required in certain situations.

Addition to specific therapy for osteoporosis: 20000 IU once a month.

For capsule: Children (12-18 years):

Treatment of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 20000 IU once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks.

Prevention of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 20000 IU every 6 weeks.

For film-coated tablets: 1000 IU (1-2 tablets) daily, or as directed by a physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal.

For or flash or chewable tablets: 1000 IU to 2000 IU daily, or as directed by a physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal. Place the tablet in the mouth and swallow after chewing.

For Syrup:
For patients with a risk of Cholecalciferol deficiency:

0-1 yr: 400 IU/ day (2 ml)

>1 Yr: 600 lU/ day (3 ml)

For Cholecalciferol deficient patients:

0-1 yr: 2000 IU/ day (+50000 IU/week ) for 6 weeks

1 -18 yrs: 2000 IU/ day for 6 weeks.

Injection: Prevention: 

Infants receiving Vitamin D enriched milk: 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. every 6 months.

Nursed infants or infants not receiving Vitamin D enriched milk or young children up to 5 years of age: 1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. every 6 months.

Adolescents: 1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. every 6 months during winter.

Pregnancy: 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. from the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy.

Elderly: 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. every 3 months. Digestive disorders, concomitant treatment with antiepileptics & other particular conditions not described above; 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. or 1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. every 3 or 6 months.

Injection: Vitamin D deficiency:

1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. which can be repeated 1 to 6 months later. Or, as directed by the registered physician.

Interaction

With medicine: Vitamin D3 interacts with antacids (magnesium-containing), phenytoin, phenobarbital, cholestyramine, colestipol, digoxin, and thiazide diuretics. Many drugs cause Vitamin D3 deficiencies because they interfere with the absorption and metabolism of Vitamin D3 and include cholestyramine, colestipol, phenytoin, phenobarbital, orlistat, and mineral oil. Also, corticosteroids, such as prednisolone increase the need for Vitamin D3. Cholecalciferol is known to interact with Carbamazepine, Dactinomycin, Diuretics, Fosphenytoin, Miconazole, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, and Primidone.

With food & others: Avoid alcohol or tobacco consumption while taking vitamin D3 because they can decrease its absorption.

Contraindications

Vitamin D3 is contraindicated in all diseases associated with hypercalcemia. It is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Vitamin D3 or any of the components of the products. It is also contraindicated in severe renal impairment, Hypervitaminosis D, and Nephrolithiasis.

Defrol 20000 IU Capsule Side Effects

Common side effects: Occasional acute symptoms include anorexia, lassitude, nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, polyuria, sweating, headache, thirst, vertigo, and raised concentrations of calcium and phosphate in plasma and urine. Rare side effects: Dry mouth, Headache, Weakness, and lack of energy.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Vitamin D3 needs are increased during pregnancy. Vitamin D3 deficiency during pregnancy can affect bone development and immune function from birth through adulthood. Low Vitamin D3 levels are common among those taking a standard prenatal multivitamin, which usually contains 400 IU, but is inadequate for pregnant women. Even 800 IU of Vitamin D3 per day didn?t permit most pregnant women to reach a normal Vitamin D3 level. A recently completed study funded by the National Institutes of Health tested the safety and effectiveness of 4000 IU Vitamin D3 per day in pregnant women. The researchers reported that this dose was safe and effective in achieving normal Vitamin D3 levels and resulted in
fewer pregnancy complications (infections, preterm labor, birth, and pre-eclampsia) when compared with 400 IU Vitamin D3 per day.

Lactation: It should be assumed that exogenous Vitamin D3 passes into breast milk. In view of the potential for hypercalcemia in the mother and for adverse reactions from Vitamin D3 in nursing infants, mothers may breastfeed while taking Vitamin D3, provided that the serum calcium levels of the mother and infant are monitored. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends that breastfeeding infants receive a supplement of Vitamin D3 every day to prevent Vitamin D3 deficiency and rickets. 

Precautions & Warnings

Plasma-calcium concentration should be monitored at intervals in patients receiving high doses of Vitamin D3 in renal impairment and during pregnancy & lactation. People using digoxin and thiazide diuretics should consult a healthcare practitioner before supplementing with Vitamin D3. People with liver or kidney disease, primary hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, tuberculosis, and granulomatous disease should consult a health care practitioner before supplementing with Vitamin D3.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30 C temperature and dry place, protected from light. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.