Vitamin D is essential for our body. You may have heard that we get it from sunlight most of the time. But sometimes the amount of vitamin D we get from food, drink, and sunlight may not be enough. That's when doctors recommend that we take vitamin D supplements. So today, let's talk about these chewable vitamin D tablets.
What is vitamin D? Why is it important for us?
Simply put, vitamin D is a nutrient that helps with several very important functions in our body.
The main thing is to help the body absorb the calcium in the foods we eat. You know how important calcium is to keep our bones strong. So, without vitamin D, you can't really benefit from calcium. Just like you need a key to open a door, you need vitamin D to absorb calcium. Together, these two keep our bones and teeth strong and healthy .
In addition, vitamin D helps our immune system function properly , which means it increases our resistance to diseases. It also plays a role in the healthy functioning of the brain. So, if the level of vitamin D in the body is low, we use this medicine to treat it and prevent that condition.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing vitamin D to you, it is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history, as some health conditions require caution when using vitamin D.
The most important thing is, don't hide anything from your doctor. Even something small can affect your treatment.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor .
| Health status / other matters | Why is it important to inform the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| High levels of calcium or vitamin D in the blood | This medication can cause those levels to rise further and cause complications. |
| Kidney disease or liver disease | These diseases can affect how the body processes vitamin D. |
| Parathyroid disease | This gland is essential to be informed because it controls calcium levels in the body. |
| Inflammatory bowel disease - e.g. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis | These diseases can reduce the body's absorption of vitamin D. |
| Other gastrointestinal diseases, gallbladder disease, or conditions such as cystic fibrosis | These can also affect vitamin D absorption or metabolism. |
| Allergies to vitamin D, other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes | This is very important to prevent allergies. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This is essential to choosing the safest treatment method for you and your baby. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a chewable tablet, let's be a little more aware of how to use it.
- Chew and swallow well: This pill should be chewed completely and swallowed. Do not swallow whole.
- Take with a meal: For best results, take this medication with a meal. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken with foods that contain fat (e.g., milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, eggs).
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. That way, you're less likely to forget.
- Take exactly as your doctor tells you: Do not take more or less than the dose your doctor prescribes.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you think, you should take immediate action . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may interact with vitamin D
Other medications you are taking can affect the way vitamin D works. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal or Ayurvedic).
Some medications that can interact with vitamin D are:
- Some types of antacids to take for gastritis of the stomach
- Some diuretics
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., `cholestyramine`, `colestipol`)
- Some medications used for fits (e.g. phenytoin)
- Medicines like `Mineral oil`, `Orlistat`, `Rifampin`
- Supplements containing magnesium or phosphorus
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like any medicine, vitamin D can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of high calcium levels in the blood | Unusual thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Constipation, nausea, loss of appetite. |
How do you store and dispose of medication?
- Storage: Keep this medicine bottle out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture, and keep the bottle cap tightly closed.
- Disposal: Do not use expired medications. Before throwing away unwanted or expired medications, remove the pills from the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a bag or other container, seal it well, and throw them in the trash. If you are unsure, consult your doctor .
Take-Home Message
- Vitamin D is a very important nutrient for bones, immunity, and overall health.
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and all other medicines you are taking.
- For best results, chew the tablet well and take it with a fatty meal.
- Be aware of symptoms of high blood calcium levels (excessive thirst, frequent urination, vomiting). If you experience such symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.
- Never share your prescribed medication with others. It is for you only.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
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