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Defrol OS is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) works through its active form, Calcitriol, which binds to Vitamin D receptors (VDRs). These receptors are found in many tissues across the body. Because Vitamin D3 is fat soluble, its half life is about 50 days.
It is absorbed in the small intestine, where it binds to specific a-globulins and is carried to the liver. There it is metabolised to 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 (Calcidiol). A second hydroxylation takes place in the kidney and produces 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol). This metabolite is what lets the vitamin increase the absorption of calcium.
Vitamin D3 that hasn't been metabolised is stored in tissues such as fat and muscle. The body removes it through faeces and urine.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
up to one year, 400 IU once a day or as directed by the physician. From 1 year to 18 years, 600 IU once a day or as directed by the physician.
Injection, for treatment:
Rickets: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for one month, then 1 ampoule every 4 months. Osteoporosis: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for 3 months. Osteomalacia: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for 3 months. Tetany caused by hypocalcaemia: 1 ampoule every 4 months, which may be increased to 2 ampoules. Menopause: 1 ampoule every 6 months. Vitamin 03 deficiency: 1 ampoule, which can be repeated 1 to 6 months later.
Injection, for prevention:
Pregnancy: 1/2 ampoule at the 6th or 7th month. During breastfeeding: 1/2 ampoule every 6 months. Children up to 5 years: 1 ampoule every 6 months. Adolescent: 1 ampoule every 6 months. Elderly Dosages: 1/2 ampoule every 3 months.
Dosage for other forms (4)
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is given in different doses depending on the form.
Capsule, adults: to treat Vitamin D3 deficiency, the dose is 40000 IU once weekly for 7 weeks. Maintenance therapy is 1400 to 2000 IU/day. To confirm the target level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, it should be measured 3 to 4 months after maintenance therapy starts. To prevent Vitamin D3 deficiency, the dose is 20000 IU every 4 weeks, though higher doses may be required in certain situations. When it is added to specific therapy for osteoporosis, the dose is 20000 IU once a month.
Capsule, children (12 to 18 years): for treating Vitamin D3 deficiency, give 20000 IU once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. For prevention, give 20000 IU every 6 weeks.
1000 IU (1 to 2 tablets) daily, or as directed by the physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal.
1000 IU to 2000 IU daily, or as directed by the physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal. Place the tablet in the mouth and swallow after chewing.
in Step-1, place the thumb on the ampoule and break the upper narrow part. Pour the solution out into a spoon as Step-2. Then, in Step-3, mix the solution with water or milk before taking it.
Directions for IM use: Step-1 is to place the thumb on the ampoule and break the upper narrow part. After that, as Step-2, use it as an IM injection.
Side Effects
Nutritional supplements are generally considered safe and well tolerated, and cholecalciferol is no different. Still, a few side effects can occur with colecalciferol. These include hypocalcaemia syndrome or calcium intoxication, depending on how severe the hypocalcaemia is and how long it lasts. Some acute symptoms also appear now and then: anorexia, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or stomach ache, and constipation.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Doctors should check the plasma-calcium concentration from time to time in people who take high doses of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), in people with renal impairment, and during pregnancy and lactation. If you use Digoxin or Thiazide Diuretics, talk to a health care practitioner before you start supplementing with Vitamin D3. The same applies if you have liver or kidney disease, primary hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, tuberculosis or granulomatous disease.
Contraindications
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) should not be used in any disease that comes with hypercalcaemia. It should also not be given to anyone known to be hypersensitive to Vitamin D3 or to medicines of the same class, or to any of the excipients in the product. And if there is evidence of Vitamin D3 toxicity, it must not be used.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Studies have shown that doses of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) up to 4000 IU are safe to use during pregnancy. The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 400 IU, but women who are considered Vitamin D3 deficient may need a higher dose. Pregnant women should follow their doctor's advice, because their requirements may vary with the severity of their disease and how they respond to treatment.
Vitamin D3 and its metabolites pass into breast milk. Overdose in infants caused by nursing mothers has not been observed. Still, when a doctor prescribes additional vitamin D3 for a breast-fed child, the dose of any additional vitamin D3 given to the mother should be taken into account.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
The most serious result of an overdose of Cholecalciferol, whether it happens suddenly or builds up over time, is hypercalcaemia caused by vitamin D toxicity. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, polyuria, anorexia, weakness, apathy, thirst and constipation. If the overdose is chronic, the hypercalcaemia can lead to calcification of the blood vessels and organs. Treatment is to stop all intake of vitamin D and to rehydrate the patient.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Defrol OS 2000 IU/ml
What is Defrol OS 2000 IU/ml Oral Solution?
Defrol OS 2000 IU/ml Oral Solution is a medicine that contains Cholecalciferol [Vitamin D3]. It is made by The ACME Laboratories Ltd. It belongs to the Vitamin in bone formation group of medicines.
What is Defrol OS used for?
Defrol OS is used for: Osteoporosis.
What are the side effects of Defrol OS?
Nutritional supplements are generally considered safe and well tolerated, and cholecalciferol is no different. Still, a few side effects can occur with colecalciferol.
Can I take Defrol OS during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Studies have shown that doses of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) up to 4000 IU are safe to use during pregnancy. The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 400 IU, but women who are considered Vitamin D3 deficient may need a higher dose. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Defrol OS?
The most serious result of an overdose of Cholecalciferol, whether it happens suddenly or builds up over time, is hypercalcaemia caused by vitamin D toxicity. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, polyuria, anorexia, weakness, apathy, thirst and constipation. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Can I take other medicines with Defrol OS?
Some medicines can interact with Cholecalciferol [Vitamin D3], for example: Cholestyramine, Phenytoin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Defrol OS?
Defrol OS is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.