Calciferol

Calciferol is more commonly known as vitamin D and is a biologically active substance. It was discovered by chance, from observations of the dogs floated out that those of them who are fed with fish oil do not get rickets. At first, this action was attributed to vitamin A, then, neutralizing it in a portion of fish oil, they were convinced that the healing properties were preserved and the dog recovered. This was the fourth open vitamin, therefore it was named the corresponding letter of the alphabet. It is synthesized under the action of ultraviolet rays (vitamin D3) or comes with food (D2). Contained in the following foods: oily fish (salmon, cod), seaweed, caviar, butter, cheese, yeast. Deficiency of vitamin D is eliminated with the help of pharmacy drug calciferol.   

[1]

Indications of the calciferol

Indications for the use of calciferol is the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. He is appointed at fractures, during the period of intensive growth of children, with a lack of intake into the body from the outside.

[2]

Release form

Produced in the form of oblong tablets, covered with a white shell. On one side there is an incision along which you can break a tablet in two.

[3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Pharmacodynamics

The main task of calciferol is to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus entering the human body from food. It is proved that he takes part in the regulation of cell division, metabolic processes, the production of a number of hormones. It affects the density of bone tissue, making it stronger, participates in the processes of blood clotting. It is also known for its effectiveness in the prevention of diseases such as respiratory, cardiovascular, obesity, prostate and milk gland cancer, prostate.

[9], [10]

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of the drug is determined by the fact that vitamin D is actually a provitamin. It is absorbed in the small intestine, and to start its transport mechanism, with which calcium absorption takes place, first it is converted in the liver into calcidiol, then in the kidneys into calcitriol. It is excreted mainly by the kidneys.

[11], [12], [13],

Dosing and administration

The method of administration and dose are as follows: children in the age range of 8-12 years are recommended a tablet once a day; older than this age - in the morning and evening on a pill entirely, without chewing. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. 

[18], [19]

Use of the calciferol during pregnancy

The name calciferol means "a carrier of calcium," it is on this property that the need to use it during pregnancy is based. Vitamin D promotes the formation of the skeleton of the child, maintains the bone system of the mother in normal condition, prevents damage to the teeth. In fact, the role of calciferol is much more important and more complex than the replenishment of calcium in the body. It is necessary for the implementation of important vital functions, so reducing its concentration entails significant disruption in the health of the future mother and baby. The most dangerous is the development of rickets. The first manifestations occur already in the second month of the child's life: increased nervous excitability, poor sleep, a sharp reaction to touch, bright light, loud sounds. In such children, the process of ossification slows down, so weight gain entails a curvature of the spine, legs. To avoid such pathologies, this medication is prescribed for pregnant and lactating mothers. The dose should not exceed 600 IU of vitamin D3 and 1500 mg of calcium.

Contraindications

Contraindication to the use of calciferol is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, as well as a number of diseases. These include: primary or secondary hypercalcemia - the pathology of the endocrine system, hypercalciuria - excessive release of calcium in the urine, the presence of kidney stones, malignant tumors in the bone marrow, bone metastases, sarcoidosis, renal failure, osteoporosis, in which the person is immobile. Do not administer the drug to children younger than 8 years.

[14], [15]

Side effects of the calciferol

Calciferol can cause side effects on the part of the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, bloating and stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation. Occasionally, there were cases of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria.

[16], [17]

Overdose

An overdose of calciferol can lead to an overabundance of vitamin D, and this is fraught with an increase in the level of calcium in the body. When taking the drug, it is necessary to take into account the intake of it from sources of nutrition. There is an overdose of fever, difficulty breathing, slowing of the pulse, nausea and vomiting, weakness, sweating, malaise, unpleasant sensations in the digestive organs. There are muscular, joint pains, cramps. Excessive thirst and frequent urge to urinate testify to violations in the work of the kidneys. In this case, it is necessary to introduce a large amount of liquid into the body and apply diuretics, steroid hormones, calcitonin, participating in calcium metabolism, bisphosphonates in order to prevent disturbance of metabolic processes.

[20]

Interactions with other drugs

Interactions with other drugs are different and depend on a group of medicines. So, simultaneous reception with phenytoin (antiepileptic agent) or barbiturates reduces the activity of vitamin D3. When receiving cardiovascular drugs, glycosides should be monitored electrocardiogram, tk. Calciferol dynamizes their effect, and tetracyclines are better absorbed from the digestive tract, so they are taken at an interval of 3 hours. The joint use of sodium fluoride or bisphosphonates with vitamin D leads to worse assimilation of the first, the time delineation in this case should be at least 2 hours. Glucosteroids, loop diuretics, laxatives reduce the calcium content, in connection with this increase the dose of vitamin. Simultaneous reception of thiazide diuretics, on the contrary, can lead to hypercalcemia.  

[21], [22], [23]

Storage conditions

Storage conditions of calciferol are standard for medications: a place protected from the sun, not above 25 ° C, outside the children's access zone.

[24], [25], [26], [27]

Shelf life

Shelf life of the drug is no more than 3 years. After the expiration of this term, do not take calciferol.

[28], [29]