This active ingredient is in Dekristol
The active ingredient is colecalciferol (vitamin D). The body’s own active ingredient is crucial for an optimal calcium balance. It stimulates proteins that are involved in calcium transport/metabolism and ensures sufficient mineralization of the bones. As an initial treatment, the preparation counteracts the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
When is Dekristol used?
Dekristol 20,000 I.U. capsules are taken once to treat symptoms caused by vitamin D deficiency.
What side effects does Dekristol have?
Dekristol side effects are generally caused by an overdose of the active ingredient. The effects depend on the Dekristol 20,000 dosage and the duration of treatment. A long-term increased concentration of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) can occur, which can manifest itself through acute symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmia, nausea, vomiting, mental impairment or disturbances of consciousness and chronic symptoms (excessive urination, thirst, loss of appetite, weight loss, tendency to form kidney stones or calcifications of non-bony tissue).
If you experience severe or unmentioned symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
What you should bear in mind when using Dekristol
You must not take Dekristol if:
- there is a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or other ingredients (soy, peanuts, etc.)
- there is an increased concentration of calcium in the blood and urine (hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria)
- in the event of a hormonal imbalance of a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands (pseudohypoparathyroidism)
Special caution is required when using Dekristol 20,000 I.U. in the following cases
- a tendency to kidney stones
- impaired renal excretion of calcium and phosphate
- the simultaneous intake of diuretic medication (benzothiadiazine derivatives)
- less mobile patients
- a connective tissue disease (sarcoidosis)
If a long-term dose of Dekristol is necessary, the calcium level in the blood and excreted urine must be monitored regularly to ensure kidney function.
The attending physician must be informed in advance if other medications are being taken in order to avoid potentially strong interactions. Adverse effects are known with the use of the following medicines:
- Phenytoin (for the treatment of epilepsy)
- preparations containing cortisone for certain allergic conditions
- Cardiac glycosides (drugs to improve heart function)
Dekristol: Pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy, the medicine should only be prescribed if a strict risk-benefit assessment has been carried out by the doctor. The dosage of Dekristol 20,000 IU should be as low as possible. Overdoses increase the calcium concentration in the blood, which can lead to physical and mental disability and heart or eye disorders in the unborn child.
The active substance passes into breast milk, but no overdose symptoms have yet been observed in infants.
Dekristol: Infants and young children
Dekristol 20,000 IU capsules can be swallowed by infants and young children and must therefore not be used in this age group. Suitable preparations are available.
Dosage
The doctor decides on the necessary dosage of Dekristol and the duration of administration. The soft capsule should be taken whole with sufficient liquid (200 ml water).
Your doctor or pharmacist should be informed if the effect of Dekristol 20,000 is too weak or too strong.
How to obtain Dekristol
Dekristol 20000 I.U. is available on prescription from pharmacies as a tablet or soft capsule.
