Vitrus Drops

• Vitamin D3 deficiency
• Rickets
• Osteomalacia
• Osteoporosis
• Tetany caused by hypocalcaemia
• Prevention of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy
• Immunity boost up

The active form of Vitamin D3, Calcitriol, exerts its effect by binding to the Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) which are widely distributed through many body tissues. Vitamin D3 has a half life of about 50 days as it is fat soluble. Vitamin D3 is absorbed in the small intestine and bound to specific α-globulins and transported to the liver where it is metabolised to 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 (Calcidiol). A second hydroxylation to 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) occurs in the kidney. This metabolite is responsible for the vitamin's ability to increase the absorption of calcium. Non-metabolised Vitamin D3 is stored in tissues such as fat and muscle. Vitamin D3 is eliminated via faeces and urine.

Capsule (Adults):

• Treatment of deficiency: 40,000 IU once weekly for 7 weeks, then maintenance: 1400-2000 IU/day
• Prevention: 20,000 IU every 4 weeks
• Osteoporosis: 20,000 IU once a month

Capsule (Children 12-18 years):

• Treatment: 20,000 IU every 2 weeks for 6 weeks
• Prevention: 20,000 IU every 6 weeks

Tablet (1000 IU): 1-2 tablets daily, with food or within 1 hour after a meal.

Oral Solution: Up to 1 year: 400 IU/day; 1-18 years: 600 IU/day.

Injection (Treatment): Rickets: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for 1 month, then every 4 months; Osteoporosis/Osteomalacia: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for 3 months; Tetany: 1 ampoule every 4 months (up to 2 ampoules); Menopause: 1 ampoule every 6 months.

Injection (Prevention): Pregnancy: ½ ampoule at 6th/7th month; Breastfeeding: ½ ampoule every 6 months; Children up to 5 years: 1 ampoule every 6 months; Adolescent: 1 ampoule every 6 months; Elderly: ½ ampoule every 3 months.

Common Side Effects:

• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation

Serious Side Effects (Rare - Overdose): Hypercalcemia, polyuria, weakness, apathy, thirst, vascular and organ calcification.

Studies have shown safe use of doses up to 4000 IU during pregnancy. The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 400 IU, however, higher doses may be required in deficiency. Pregnant women should follow their medical practitioner's advice.

• Monitor plasma-calcium concentration in patients receiving high doses, in renal impairment, and during pregnancy & lactation.
• People using Digoxin and Thiazide Diuretics should consult a healthcare practitioner.
• People with liver or kidney disease, primary hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, tuberculosis and granulomatous disease should consult a healthcare practitioner.

The most serious consequence of acute or chronic overdose is hypercalcaemia. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, polyuria, anorexia, weakness, apathy, thirst, constipation. Chronic overdose can lead to vascular and organ calcification. Treatment: Stop vitamin D intake and rehydration.

Store in a cool (below 25°C) and dry place protected from light. Keep away from the reach of children.