What is vitamin D? Effect of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids, which enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D₃ and vitamin D₂.

Vitamin D: Effects, dosage and storage

  1. The effect of vitamin D
  2. How to use vitamin D
  3. How to preserve vitamin D
  4. Foods rich in vitamin D
  5. Dosage
    1. Dosage for adults
    2. Dosage for children
  6. Side effects
  7. Note before taking vitamin D
  8. Drug interactions

The effect of vitamin D

Vitamin D is an oil-soluble vitamin, commonly used for:

  1. Treatment of hypophosphatemia and Fanconi syndrome;
  2. Treatment of hypocalcaemia in patients with hypoparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism;
  3. Treatment of psoriasis;
  4. Treatment of osteomalacia;
  5. Treatment of osteoporosis;
  6. Prevention and treatment of rickets;
  7. Treatment of renal osteodystrophy;
  8. Preventing autoimmune diseases and cancer.

How to use vitamin D

You should take vitamin D as directed on the label, or as directed by your doctor. You should swallow capsule or tablet pills in case of using pills. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose of vitamin D. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions while using vitamin D.

Picture 1 of What is vitamin D?  Effect of Vitamin D
Vitamin D should be stored at room temperature, protected from moisture and light.

How to preserve vitamin D

You should store at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom or in the freezer. You should remember that each drug may have different storage methods. Therefore, you should carefully read the storage instructions on the package, or ask a pharmacist. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

You should not throw medication into the toilet or plumbing unless required. Instead, dispose of properly when the medicine is out of date or cannot be used. You can consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your medication.

Foods rich in vitamin D

Vitamin D is found in the following foods:

  1. Fish
  2. Mushroom
  3. Whole milk
  4. Cod liver oil
  5. Tofu
  6. Cheese
  7. Egg
  8. Soymilk
  9. Oysters
  10. Oat
  11. Egg

Dosage

Dosage for adults

  1. Usual adult dose for osteoporosis-induced osteoporosis : You take 2000 IU of vitamin D2 and take 390 mg of calcium lactate orally daily for three months.
  2. Usual dose for adults with autoimmune disease : You take 0.25-2 mcg of alfacalcidol orally 1-2 times daily and take 0.5 mcg of 1-alfa-OH D3 orally daily for up to 12 months.
  3. Usual Adult Dose for Heart Disease : 200-2000 IU or 10-25 mcg of vitamin D2 or D3 taken daily for 1.4-84 months, with or without calcium;

You take 100,000 IU of vitamin D2 or D3 orally 3 times a year to 3 years;

You take 300000 IU of vitamin D2 for injection;

The next oral dosage will include: 1 g of vitamin D2, 800 IU of vitamin D3, together with 1 g of calcium daily for 12 months.

  1. Usual Adult Dose for Hypothyroidism Due to Overactive Parathyroidism : You take 0.5-1 mcg of calcitriol, 0.5 g of vitamin D and 400 IU of vitamin D orally 1-2 times daily with 0, 5-1.5 g of calcium carbonate.
  2. Usual Adult Dose for High Cholesterol : 300-3332 IU or 7.5-1250 mcg cholecalciferol, calcitriol, ergocalciferol and alpha-calcidioltaken daily for 42 days to 3 years.
  3. Usual adult dose for hypertension : You take 400-8571 IU of vitamin D orally daily (with or without calcium).
  4. Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcaemia : 0.25 mcg of calcitriol orally daily. The maximum dose may be 0.25 mcg daily for about 4-8 weeks.
  5. Usual Adult Dose for Parathyroid Gland Activity : You should start with 0.75 to 2.5 mg dihydrotachysterol daily for several days. The maintenance dose is 0.2-1 mg, taken daily.
  6. Usual adult dose for osteoporosis : 100-200000 IU of vitamin D2 or D3 is taken daily or every two months for six months, sometimes with 800-1500 mg of calcium.
  7. Usual adult dose for psoriasis : Apply calcipotriene (Dovonex®) twice a day to the skin. Substances similar to vitamin D are used alone or in combination with topical corticosteroids for 3-52 weeks. You take a dose of 50 mg / g calcipotriene, 4 mg / g tacalcitol and 3 mg / g calcitriol applied to the skin 1-2 times daily for 4-12 weeks.

Dosage for children

  1. Usual pediatric dose for immune function : You take 2000 IU of vitamin D daily for your child during the first five years of age.
  2. Usual Pediatric Dose for Osteoporosis : 0.25 mcg of calcitriol is given in combination with 500 mg of elemental calcium daily for nine months.
  3. Usual pediatric dose for rickets : You use 125-250 mcg (5000-10000 IU) of vitamin D for children to drink daily for 2-3 months.

Vitamin D comes in the following forms and amounts:

  1. Tablets: 1000 IU, 25 mcg, 400 IU;
  2. Capsules: 400 IU, 1000 IU, 2000 IU.

Side effects

Picture 2 of What is vitamin D?  Effect of Vitamin D
Taking vitamin D usually does not cause side effects.

Taking vitamin D usually does not cause side effects. However, using vitamin D for a long time or an overdose of vitamin D may cause some of the following side effects:

  1. Hypertension;
  2. High fever;
  3. Irregular heartbeat;
  4. Abdominal pain (severe);
  5. Bone pain;
  6. Constipation;
  7. Diarrhea;
  8. Sleepy;
  9. Dry mouth;
  10. Headache;
  11. Thirsty;
  12. Increased frequency of urination especially at night, or increased amount of urine;
  13. Itchy skin;
  14. Anorexia;
  15. The mouth has a metallic taste;
  16. Myalgia;
  17. Nausea or vomiting (especially in children or adolescents);
  18. Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Not everyone experiences the above side effects. There may be other side effects not mentioned. If you have any questions about side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Note before taking vitamin D

Before taking vitamin D, you should:

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to vitamin D or any other medications or herbs;

Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, herbs or supplements;

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

There are still not enough studies to determine the risk of using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Before taking medication, always consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can alter the ability of the drug to work or increase the effects of side effects. This document does not include the full range of possible drug interactions. It is best to write down a list of all the medications you are currently taking (including prescription, over-the-counter and supplements) to show to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not use, stop, or change the dosage of your medication without your doctor's permission.

  1. Oral diabetes medication or insulin;
  2. Medicines to treat blood pressure;
  3. The drug is metabolized by the cytochrome p450 enzyme of the liver;
  4. Acitretin, drugs that affect the immune system;
  5. Medicine associated with bile;
  6. The drug is used to prevent seizures;
  7. The drug is used to promote urination;
  8. Medications for cardiac disorders;
  9. Antiretroviral drugs (HIV);
  10. Some medicines include: aluminum, antacids, antiandrogens, asthma medicines, antibiotics, cancer drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control pills, bisphosphonate, calcipotriene, calcium salts, cardiac glycosides, cholesterol-lowering drugs, cimetidine, cinacalcet, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, diltiazem, exemestane, fat-soluble drugs, heparin, hormones, insulin, interferon, ketoconazole, laxatives, medicines for lung disease, mineral oil, opioids, orlistat, medicines for osteoporosis , pain relievers, rifampin, sevelamer, sunscreen, thyroid hormone antagonists, vaccines and vitamin D receptor agonists

Consult your doctor about taking medication with food, alcohol and tobacco.

Your medical condition may affect the use of this medicine. You should tell your doctor if you have any health problems, especially:

  1. Diabetes;
  2. Blood pressure;
  3. Heart diseases;
  4. Infection.

In an emergency, immediately call 911 or go to the nearest local health station.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Note that the prescribed dose should not be doubled.

Note: Information about medicines, proprietary medicines posted in the Family medicine cabinet section on Khoahoc.tv website is for reference only. Please consult with your doctor before deciding to treat any medicine to bring good effect and safety for your health.

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