General Description: This medication is used to help regulate blood calcium due to low parathyroid function or kidney failure. Available in tablets, capsules and oral solution.
What is this drug?
A Vitamin D analog
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:
To treat low blood calcium in patients with hypoparathyroidism or severe kidney disease
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Pets with high blood calcium or phosphorus levels
Pets with Vitamin D toxicosis
Use with caution in pets with kidney disease not associated with hypocalcemia
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to dihydrotachysterol before
Directions:
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually givenonce daily and may be used long-term.
Give this medication for as long as veterinarian directs. Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.
Initially, blood work to assess calcium levels will need to be performed several times a day. For pets receiving long-term therapy, calcium levels will need to be monitored 2-4 times/year.
Call ahead for refills.
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.
Potential side effects:
Too high a calcium level: if your pet begins drinking a lot of water, urinates more frequently, has muscle tremors, shows weakness, depression, listlessness and/or loss of appetite, notify your veterinarian.
If you notice any of these symptoms or anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with antacids, corticosteroids, digoxin, liver enzyme inhibitors, mineral oil, thiazide diuretics, sucralfate and verapamil
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, dihydrotachysterol should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about dihydrotachysterol. If you have any questions or concerns about dihydrotachysterol or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
