OSTELIN ® is a drug based on Ergocalciferol
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Vitamin D
Indications OSTELIN ® - Ergocalciferol
OSTELIN ® is used in all pathological conditions attributable to a lack of vitamin D2, such as rickets, osteomalacia, osteopenia and alterations in calcium-phosphorus metabolism.
Mechanism of action OSTELIN ® - Ergocalciferol
Ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D2, is one of the compounds that falls within the broad vitamin group defined synthetically as vitamin D and characterized by an excellent biological activity.
More precisely, this molecule, obtained following the irradiation of ergosterol with ultraviolet rays, before being able to carry out its biological activity must undergo a process of hydroxylation in the kidney which makes it biologically active.
At this point the active vitamin D can:
- Promote the reabsorption of calcium in the kidney;
- Increase intestinal absorption of phosphorus and calcium;
- Direct cell differentiation, acting in a similar way to steroid hormones.
The lipophilic nature of the molecule allows calciferol to accumulate mainly in organs such as the liver or adipose tissue, and to be mobilized if necessary.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. ACUTE INTAKE OF ERGOCALCIFEROL
Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Oct 24.
The effect of a single oral megadose of vitamin D provided as either ergocalciferol (D2) or cholecalciferol (D3) in alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
Malham M, Peter Jørgensen S, Lauridsen AL, Ott P, Glerup H, Dahlerup JF.
Study supporting ergocalciferol megadoses in a single administration in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency associated with severe liver disease.
2. ERGOCALCIFEROL AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISORDERS
J Med Assoc Thai. 2010 Aug; 93: 885-91.
Effect of high dose ergocalciferol in chronic kidney disease patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency.
Trakarnvanich T, Chalapipat O, Disthabanchong S, Kurathong S, Praditpornsilpa K, Stitchantrakul W, Chailurkit LO.
Work that demonstrates the efficacy of ergocalciferol treatment in patients with vitamin D deficiency suffering from chronic renal insufficiency in the pre-dialysis phase.
3. ERGOCALCIFEROL AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Neurology. 2011 Oct 25; 77: 1611-8.
A randomized trial of high-dose vitamin D2 in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Stein MS, Liu Y, Gray OM, Baker JE, Kolbe SC, Ditchfield MR, Egan GF, Mitchell PJ, Harrison LC, Butzkueven H, Kilpatrick TJ.
Reduced exposure to ultraviolet rays appears to correlate with a higher incidence of multiple sclerosis cases. In this study we wanted to evaluate the role of vitamin D2 in the genesis of this disease. Unfortunately, the administration of this vitamin in high doses did not bring significant benefits.
Method of use and dosage
OSTELIN ®
Ampoules for intramuscular use of 400,000 I.U. ergocalciferol:
Vitamin D2 deficiency can be compensated for by administering 800,000 I.U. (2 ampoules) at once or through the prolonged administration of one ampoule every 2 - 3 days.
The definition of the precise therapeutic scheme must be formulated by the doctor on the basis of the patient's clinical picture and related needs.
Use in children must be under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
Warnings OSTELIN ® - Ergocalciferol
The important renal metabolism to which vitamin D2 is subjected could cause fatigue and consequent reduction of renal function in elderly patients or with nephropathies of various degrees.
Continuous monitoring of blood concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase is necessary to avoid the appearance of more serious side effects.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Vitamin D2 intake during pregnancy should be under close medical supervision in order to avoid possible fetal poisoning due to aortic valve stenosis, retinopathies, hypoparathyroidism and growth retardation.
Interactions
It is useful to remember that the assumption of certain drugs such as antiepileptics and barbiturates could increase the need for vitamin D, while particular attention should be paid to the possible administration of active ingredients capable of modulating calcium absorption.
Contraindications OSTELIN ® - Ergocalciferol
OSTELIN ® is contraindicated in case of hypercalcemia or hypersensitivity to the active substance or to one of its excipients.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
The administration of vitamin D2, according to the correct therapeutic schemes, is rarely associated with the onset of nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, polyuria, sweating, headache, thirst and dizziness which however disappear by reducing the frequency of intake.
Acute intake at high doses or prolonged over time could be responsible for hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and hyperphostataemia, thus favoring the calcification of various tissues.
Note
OSTELIN ® can only be sold under strict medical prescription.
The information on OSTELIN ® - Ergocalciferol published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
