DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Dihydrotachysterol

March 21, 2017

Dihydrotachysterol oral solution

What is dihydrotachysterol oral solution?

DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL (DHT Intensol™) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Calcitriol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic dihydrotachysterol oral solution is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take dihydrotachysterol?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • kidney disease

  • too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood

  • parathyroid disease

  • other chronic illness

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take dihydrotachysterol oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Dihydrotachysterol oral solution comes in a dropper bottle. Use the dropper to accurately measure your medicine. The drops can be taken directly into the mouth or added to cereal, fruit juice, or other food. Take exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose because dihydrotachysterol is stored in the body.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with dihydrotachysterol?

  • cholestyramine

  • colestipol

  • digoxin

  • mineral oil

  • orlistat

  • seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine

  • water pills

Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

  • antacids

  • calcium supplements

  • magnesium supplements

  • vitamin D

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dihydrotachysterol?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need a special diet and to take calcium supplements.

Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking ergocalciferol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. If you stop taking dihydrotachysterol the effects can last for up to one month. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends.

What side effects may I notice from taking dihydrotachysterol?

The recommended daily allowance of dihydrotachysterol does not usually cause any side effects.

Early side effects related to overdose include:

  • bone pain

  • constipation

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • metallic taste

  • nausea, vomiting

  • unusual tiredness, or weakness

Late side effects include:

  • increased thirst

  • increase in the need to pass urine (especially at night)

  • irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure

  • loss of appetite

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • stomach pain

  • weight loss

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Dihydrotachysterol tablets or capsules

What are dihydrotachysterol tablets or capsules?

DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL (DHT™, Hytakerol®) is a man-made form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the right amount of calcium in the body for strong bones and teeth. Dihydrotachysterol helps your body keep the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus and maintain healthy bones. Generic dihydrotachysterol tablets and capsules are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I take dihydrotachysterol?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

  • kidney disease

  • too much calcium or vitamin D in the blood

  • parathyroid disease

  • other chronic illness

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take dihydrotachysterol tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. Take exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose because dihydrotachysterol is stored in the body.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with dihydrotachysterol?

  • cholestyramine

  • colestipol

  • digoxin

  • mineral oil

  • orlistat

  • seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine

  • water pills

Talk to your prescriber or other health care professional before taking any of these medicines:

  • antacids

  • calcium supplements

  • magnesium supplements

  • vitamin D

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking dihydrotachysterol?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need a special diet and to take calcium supplements.

Do not take any non-prescription medicines that contain vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, or calcium including antacids while taking ergocalciferol, unless your prescriber or health care professional says you can. The extra calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or vitamin D can lead to side effects. If you stop taking dihydrotachysterol the effects can last for up to one month. Do not take more calcium, magnesium, or vitamin D than your prescriber or health care professional recommends.

What side effects may I notice from taking dihydrotachysterol?

The recommended daily allowance of dihydrotachysterol does not usually cause any side effects.

Early side effects related to overdose include:

  • bone pain

  • constipation

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • metallic taste

  • nausea, vomiting

  • unusual tiredness, or weakness

Late side effects include:

  • increased thirst

  • increase in the need to pass urine (especially at night)

  • irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure

  • loss of appetite

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • stomach pain

  • weight loss

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert