$Unique_ID{BRK01931}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL}
$Subject{dihydrotachysterol or DHT (Roxane)
Hytakerol (Winthrop)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     dihydrotachysterol or DHT (Roxane)
     Hytakerol (Winthrop)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Vitamin D analog
INGREDIENT:
     dihydrotachysterol
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (0.125 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.4 mg)
     Capsules (0.125 mg)
     Oral solution (0.2 mg per ml, with 4% alcohol)
     Oral concentrate (0.2 mg per ml, with 20% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Dihydrotachysterol tablets, capsules, oral solution, and oral concentrate
       should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant
       containers.  This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     Vitamin D is essential to many body systems (including muscle and heart
function).  Dihydrotachysterol is a vitamin D analog--it raises blood calcium
levels.  This medication is used to treat tetany and hypoparathyroidism,
conditions characterized by low blood calcium levels.

TREATMENT

     You can take dihydrotachysterol either on an empty stomach or with food
or milk (as directed by your doctor).
     Each dose of the oral solution form of this medication should be measured
carefully with the dropper provided.  The solution can then be swallowed
directly or mixed with fruit juice, cereal, or other foods.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as
soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In
that case, do not take the missed dose; just return to your
regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     None, at the dosages normally prescribed.

     Major.

     The side effects associated with dihydrotachysterol therapy are usually
the result of too much medication (vitamin D intoxication).  Tell your doctor
about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome.  IT IS
ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred vision, bone pain,
constipation, dry mouth, headache, increased thirst, increased urination,
irritability, loss of appetite, mental disorders, metallic taste in the mouth,
muscle pain, nausea, palpitations, runny nose, vomiting, weakness, or weight
loss.

INTERACTIONS

     This drug interacts with several other drugs.
     1. If you are being treated for hypoparathyroidism, concurrent use of
dihydrotachysterol and thiazide diuretics (water pills) can lead to
hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels).
     2. The effects of this medication may be increased or decreased by
digoxin, antacids, verapamil, or cholestyramine.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to dihydrotachysterol, calcitriol, calcifediol,
ergocalciferol, or vitamin D.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had heart or blood vessel disease,
hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, vitamin D intoxication, or sarcoidosis.
     * Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) products that
contain calcium, phosphates, magnesium, or vitamin D, check with your doctor.
These ingredients can increase the side effects of dihydrotachysterol.
     * Dihydrotachysterol is more expensive than vitamin D products, but it is
often prescribed instead of vitamin D because it is faster-acting and does not
persist in the body once therapy is stopped.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although
dihydrotachysterol has not been studied during pregnancy in humans, birth
defects have been reported in the offspring of animals that received large
doses of this medication during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known if this drug passes into breast
milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
