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DHT Side Effects

Generic name: dihydrotachysterol

Note: This document provides detailed information about DHT Side Effects associated with dihydrotachysterol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name DHT.

Applies to dihydrotachysterol: oral capsule, oral concentrate, oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Vitamin D is stored up in the body rather than passed in the urine like some other vitamins. Do not take more than the recommended dose, or your body could build up dangerously high levels of vitamin D, leading to vitamin D poisoning. Vitamin D is also taken in when you eat certain foods, which can add to the total amount in your body when you are taking dihydrotachysterol.

Symptoms of a dihydrotachysterol overdose may come on slowly. Early overdose symptoms may include bone pain, bowel problems, dry mouth, ongoing headache, increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and unusual weakness. Late signs of overdose include high fever, cloudy urine, mood changes, uneven heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.

Dihydrotachysterol may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.

While you are taking dihydrotachysterol, avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium (such as Milk of Magnesia) or calcium (such as Rolaids Soft Chew, Maalox Quick Dissolve, Alka-Mints, Fast Acting Mylanta, and others).

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using dihydrotachysterol (the active ingredient contained in DHT) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

Continue using dihydrotachysterol and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dihydrotachysterol: oral capsule, oral concentrate, oral tablet.

Metabolic adverse events

Metabolic side effects have included hypercalcemia.[Ref]

Early signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia include headache, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, constipation, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, muscle, and bone pain, ataxia, tinnitus, and vertigo. Later hypercalcemia may result in pruritus, mental confusion, coma, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, metastatic calcification, and renal insufficiency manifested by polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, and proteinuria.

The effects of dihydrotachysterol can persist for up to one month after discontinuation of the drug.[Ref]

References

1. Miller SM (1983) "New perspectives on vitamin D." Am J Med Technol, 49, p. 27-37

2. Araugo OE, Flowers FP, Brown K (1991) "Vitamin D therapy in psoriasis." DICP, 25, p. 835-9

3. (2001) "Product Information. DHT (dihydrotachysterol)." Roxane Laboratories Inc

Further information

DHT side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.