Dihydrotachysterol

About Dihydrotachysterol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as vitamins.

Dihydrotachysterol is a form of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones and teeth and a healthy immune system. It helps with the absorption of calcium from the gut and the deposition of calcium in the bones.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D can be made by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight and by eating foods rich in Vitamin D. The best natural sources are found in oily fish (sardine, herring, salmon and tuna), liver, dairy products and egg yolks.

Dihydrotachysterol is used to treat low calcium in the blood caused by problems with the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid gland helps to balance the amount of calcium in the blood. If it is not working properly there may be low blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which results in the softening of the bones. In children this can cause abnormal bone development and in adults it can cause osteoporosis, backache, muscle weakness, bone pain and fractures.

Dihydrotachysterol is available in oral solution form.

The brand available is: AT10.

Before Taking Dihydrotachysterol

Before taking Dihydrotachysterol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you suffer from a nut or soya allergy
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Dihydrotachysterol

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Dihydrotachysterol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Dihydrotachysterol.
• Keep your regular doctors appointment so your progress can be monitored. You may need to have regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine.

Can Dihydrotachysterol cause problems?

This medicine is unlikely to cause any side effects. If however, you experience any worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

IMPORTANT: if you experience the following symptoms while you are taking this medicine make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Loss of appetite, weakness, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, weight loss, a need to urinate more often, sweating, headache, thirstiness or dizziness.

How to store Dihydrotachysterol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 23/02/2005