Dekristol® (Colecalciferol)

Active mechanism:

• Colecalciferol (vitamin D3) is converted into 25-OH vitamin D (calcidiol) in the liver
• In the kidney, it is further activated to 1.25-(OH)2 vitamin D (calcitriol)
• Calcitriol is the biologically active hormone

Activities of vitamin D:

• Increases calcium intake in the intestine
• Promotes the mineralization of bones
• Regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism
• Supports immune function (T cells, macrophages)
• influences muscle function
• Modulating cell growth

**Vitamin D deficiency (25-OH vitamin D < 20 ng/ml) may lead to:* *

• Osteomalazie (bone softening)
• Osteoporosis (Knochenschwund)
• Muscle weakness and increased risk of falling
• Increased infectiousness

• Adults with proven vitamin D deficiency (25-OH vitamin D < 20 ng/ml)
• Saturation therapy for severe deficiency (< 12 ng/ml)
• Osteoporosis-Prophylaxe and Therapy (in addition)
• Older people with increased risk of deficiency

Not suitable:

• Hypercalcemia (increased calcium level)
• Hyperkalziurie (increased calcium excretion in urine)
• Kidney stones (calcium stones)
• Sarkoidosis and other granulomatous diseases
• Heavy renal insufficiency (conversion disturbed)

Saturation therapy for severe deficiency:

• 20,000 I.E. once a week for 8–12 weeks
• Or 20,000 I.E. every 2 weeks for 12–16 weeks

Conservation therapy:

• 20,000 I.E. once a month (after saturation)
• Or change to daily gift (800–2,000 I.E. without prescription)

Target value:

• 25-OH vitamin D: 30–60 ng/ml (75–150 nmol/L)

Control:

• Control blood levels 6-8 weeks after the start of therapy
• Specify calcium levels for high dose therapy

Intake:

• Soft capsule in whole swallow with water
• Best for a fat-containing meal (improves the intake)
• With weekly gift: always on the same weekday

Important notes:

• Do not take without proven deficiency (blood test!)
• Overdose for months can cause hypercalcemia
• Observe calcium intake (together with vitamin D important)
• Not at the same time with other highly dosed vitamin D preparations

**Dekristol® must not be accepted at:* *

• Hyperkalzemia
• Hyperkalziurie
• Nephrolithiasis (Calzium Stones)
• Vitamin D overdose
• hypersensitivity to Colecalciferol

Preview at:

• Sarkoidosis, tuberculosis (increased calcium levels possible)
• Kidney failure (destroyed activation)
• Simultaneous intake of Thiazid diuretics (increased calcium)
• Heart glycoside therapy (Digitalis → arrhythmia risk in hypercalcemia)
• Immobilisation (increased hypercalcemia risk)

For correct dosage rare:

• Gastrointestinal complaints (abuse, constipation)
• Headaches
• Allergic reactions (very rare)

For overdose (hypercalcemia):

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• thirst, increased urination
• Blocking
• fatigue, weakness
• muscle pain
• In extreme cases: kidney scaling, kidney stones, heart rhythm disorders