Generic Name: dihydrotachysterol (dy hy dro tak is TER ol)
Brand Names: DHT, DHT Intensol, Hytakerol
What is dihydrotachysterol?
Dihydrotachysterol is a form of vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed by the body to keep your bones and teeth healthy. It also helps your body absorb and use calcium more efficiently to help protect bones and teeth.
Dihydrotachysterol is used to treat hypocalcemia (lack of calcium in the blood) and hypoparathyroidism (lack of parathyroid hormone in the body).
Dihydrotachysterol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about dihydrotachysterol ?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Vitamin D is stored up in the body rather than passed in the urine like some other vitamins. Do not take more than the recommended dose, or your body could build up dangerously high levels of vitamin D, leading to vitamin D poisoning. Vitamin D is also taken in when you eat certain foods, which can add to the total amount in your body when you are taking dihydrotachysterol.
Symptoms of a dihydrotachysterol overdose may come on slowly. Early overdose symptoms may include bone pain, bowel problems, dry mouth, ongoing headache, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and unusual weakness. Late signs of overdose include high fever, cloudy urine, mood changes, uneven heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.
Dihydrotachysterol may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
While you are taking dihydrotachysterol, avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium (such as Milk of Magnesia) or calcium (such as Rolaids Soft Chew, Maalox Quick Dissolve, Alka-Mints, Fast Acting Mylanta, and others).
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dihydrotachysterol?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease;
circulation problems;
kidney disease; or
sarcoidosis.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use dihydrotachysterol , or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether dihydrotachysterol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take dihydrotachysterol?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Vitamin D is stored up in the body rather than passed in the urine like some other vitamins. Do not take more than the recommended dose, or your body could build up dangerously high levels of vitamin D, leading to vitamin D poisoning. Vitamin D is also taken in when you eat certain foods, which can add to the total amount in your body when you are taking dihydrotachysterol.
Measure the liquid form of this medication with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Dihydrotachysterol may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
See also: Dihydrotachysterol dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a dihydrotachysterol overdose may come on slowly. Early overdose symptoms may include bone pain, bowel problems, dry mouth, ongoing headache, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and unusual weakness. Late signs of overdose include high fever, cloudy urine, mood changes, uneven heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.
What should I avoid while taking dihydrotachysterol?
Avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium (such as Milk of Magnesia) or calcium (such as Rolaids Soft Chew, Maalox Quick Dissolve, Alka-Mints, Fast Acting Mylanta, and others).
Dihydrotachysterol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using dihydrotachysterol and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
bone pain, hard lumps under your skin;
eyes that are more sensitive to light;
eye redness or discharge;
weight loss;
metallic taste in your mouth;
urinating more than usual, especially at night;
nausea, vomiting;
severe stomach pain;
high fever; or
uneven heartbeats.
Continue using dihydrotachysterol and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
dry skin;
changes in your bowel habits;
dry mouth; or
muscle pain.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Dihydrotachysterol Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:
Initial dose: 0.25 to 0.8 mg orally once a day for several days.
Maintenance dose: 0.2 to 1 mg orally once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypoparathyroidism:
Initial dose: 0.8 to 2.4 mg orally once a day for 4 days.
Maintenance dose: 0.2 to 1 mg orally once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypophosphatemia:
Initial dose: 0.8 to 2.4 mg orally once a day for several days.
Maintenance dose: 0.2 to 1 mg orally once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:
0.6 mg orally once a day. Has been used in conjunction with fluoride and calcium.
Usual Adult Dose for Renal Osteodystrophy:
0.1 to 0.6 mg orally once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Rickets:
0.5 mg orally one time or 13 to 50 mcg/day until healing occurs.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypoparathyroidism:
Neonate Dose: 0.05 to 0.1 mg orally once a day.
Infant and Child Dose:
Initial dose: 1 to 5 mg orally once a day for 4 days.
Maintenance dose: 0.5 to 1.5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Renal Osteodystrophy:
0.1 to 0.5 mg orally once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Rickets:
0.5 mg orally one time or 13 to 50 mcg/day until healing occurs.
What other drugs will affect dihydrotachysterol?
Before taking dihydrotachysterol, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
calcium or vitamin D supplements;
multivitamins that contain calcium or vitamin D; or
a diuretic (water pill) such as Aldactazide, Diuril, Maxzide, Moduretic, HCTZ, and others.
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use dihydrotachysterol, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect dihydrotachysterol. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More dihydrotachysterol resources
- Dihydrotachysterol Side Effects (in more detail)
- Dihydrotachysterol Dosage
- Dihydrotachysterol Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Dihydrotachysterol Drug Interactions
- Dihydrotachysterol Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Dihydrotachysterol - Add your own review/rating
- DHT Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Compare dihydrotachysterol with other medications
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Hypophosphatemia
- Osteoporosis
- Renal Osteodystrophy
- Rickets
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has more information about dihydrotachysterol written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Dihydrotachysterol is available with a prescription under the brand names DHT Intensol and Hytakerol. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
See also: dihydrotachysterol side effects (in more detail)
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