Vitamin D Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in several foods, and it's also synthesized when human skin receives sun exposure. Vitamin D is used for calcium absorption, so it is essential for the body to form and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weak bones and conditions like osteoporosis and rickets.

Vitamin D side effects are generally only felt when too much is taken, as the vitamin is very safe in normal amounts. Some side effects vitamin D overdose include weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. In severe cases, too much vitamin D can cause kidney stones and calcification of the arteries as well as major organs. These side effects do not typically occur from vitamin D in foods, or from sun exposure, but happen when people take vitamin D supplements.^[1]

Contents 1 About Drug Side Effects 2 Common Vitamin D Side Effects 3 Vitamin D Allergic Reactions 4 Vitamin D Precautions and Warnings 5 References

About Drug Side Effects

Common Vitamin D Side Effects

Vitamin D generally has no side effects. Patients who take more than the recommended amount may get side effects like headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, reduced appetite and reduced weight. Those who overdose may also feel confused and disoriented.^[1]

Long term use of excessive amounts of vitamin D creates a condition known as Hypervitaminosis D, or vitamin D toxicity. Signs of this condition include high levels of calcium in blood and urine, increased thirst (known as (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria) and hypertension, or high blood pressure. Lab tests or X-rays can confirm vitamin D toxicity. The condition is generally eased with the discontinuation of vitamin D; kidney stones and tissue calcification can occur if supplement use is not stopped.^[3]

Vitamin D Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to vitamin D are not common, as the vitamin is present in all humans. However, supplement users may be allergic to a number of other ingredients included in various formulations. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction which may require medical attention include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fainting, light-headedness, dizziness
• Hives, itchiness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Palpitations
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Wheezing^[4]

Vitamin D Precautions and Warnings

Corticosteroids like prednisone can impair vitamin D metabolism. The weight-loss drug orlistat (Xenical and Alli) and the cholesterol-lowering drug cholestyramine (Questran, LoCholest, and Prevalite) can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin D. Phenobarbital and phenytoin (Dilantin) reduce calcium and vitamin D absorption.^[5]

Vitamin D may interefere with digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers like nifedipine (Procardia), verapamil (Calan), nicardipine (Cardene), diltiasem (Cardizem, Dilacor), and amlodipine (Norvasc). Statins including atorvastatin (Lipitor) may not be absorbed properly when taken with vitamin D. These medications should not be taken with vitamin D unless ordered by a doctor. Other interactions may also be possible.^[2]

Also See: Vitamin Coupons, Calcium Coupons, Nature Made Coupons, Caltrate Free Samples, Zemplar Side Effects, A and D Ointment Coupons

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002405.htm
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-d-000340.htm
3. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002561/
4. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001847/
5. ↑ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind