Devikap – composition, action, dosage, indications for use

Devikap is a prescription drug in the form of oral drops or soft capsules that is designed to replenish vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) deficiencies in the body. Due to the high dose of active vitamin D, Devikap should be taken under close medical supervision. In what situations is it advisable to take Devikap, what should its dosage look like and what else is worth knowing before we start using it?

Devikap – characteristics and operation

Devikap to vitamin drug manufactured by Zakłady Farmaceutyczne POLPHARMA SA It is available in pharmacies only with a prescription and is not refundable. Currently, Devikap is available on the market in two forms:

1. like oral medicated drops at a dose of 15 IU / ml;
2. or as soft capsules in doses of 2 IU, 000 IU or 4 IU

Devikap drops are much more popular. The active substance of Devikap is active form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It is one of the substances that have the greatest impact on the proper functioning of our body.

Vitamin D3 is involved in regulation of the calcium-phosphate economy: it is responsible for stimulating the absorption of calcium in the intestines and its penetration into the bones, facilitates bone mineralization, and also accelerates the transport of phosphorus and prevents excessive excretion of calcium and phosphorus by enhancing their resorption in the kidneys. Another important function of vitamin D3 is to block the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the parathyroid glands.

Importantly, vitamin D3 can be supplied to the body with food only to a small extent. The body is able to produce a significant part of the demand for this vitamin in the skin itself, under the influence of UV rays. However, this is not always possible. People who – like the inhabitants of Poland – live at high latitudes (greater than 35 degrees) are at risk of significant seasonal vitamin D deficiencies in the period between October and April.

Other factors affecting the insufficient level of vitamin D and indications for its supplementation may also be:

1. diet (especially vegan and vegetarian diets);
2. lifestyle and work (people who work at night or spend a lot of time indoors);
3. states of increased demand for vitamin D: pregnancy, overweight and obesity, states of reduced immunity, etc.

Devikap can be used to compensate for these deficiencies in adults.

Also check: Seven signs your body needs vitamin D.

Devikap: drops and capsules – composition

Detailed composition of the drug Devikap differs slightly depending on its character:

1. 1 ml of Devikap oral fluid (about 30 drops) contains 15 IU of vitamin D000 and excipients: macrogolglycerol ricinoleate, sucrose, disodium phosphate dihydrate or dodecahydrate, citric acid monohydrate, anise flavor and aroma improving agent, benzyl alcohol, purified water;
2. 1 capsule of Devikap (depending on the dose) contains 2 IU, 000 IU or 4 IU of vitamin D000, respectively, and the following excipients: type I safflower oil (capsule content), gelatin, glycerol, purified water, medium chain fatty acid triglycerides ( capsule shell composition).

Find out more: Vitamin D3 – sources, properties, effects of excess and deficiency

Devikap – indications for use

Both Devikap capsules and drops are recommended in states of decreased level of vitamin D3 in the body. Due to the difference in doses and the excipients used, these preparations also differ slightly in terms of indications for use.

Krople Devikap are indicated:

1. in the prevention of rickets and osteomalacia in children and adults;
2. for the prevention of rickets in premature babies;
3. in the prevention of various types of diseases with the identified risk of vitamin D3 deficiency in children and adults;
4. in the prevention of vitamin D deficiency in the case of its absorption disorders in children and adults;
5. in the treatment of rickets and osteomalacia in children and adults;
6. as adjunctive therapy in osteoporosis in adults;
7. to treat hypoparathyroidism in adults.

Devikap capsules however, it is used in people over 18 years of age to treat vitamin D3 deficiencies of various causes and diseases that result from them, as well as to prevent such deficiencies and related diseases in people particularly exposed to them – especially obese and elderly people century.

The doctor may also recommend taking Devikap drops or capsules as an adjunct or prophylactic measure for other health problems – e.g. in conditions of reduced immunity or with hypocalcemic tetany.

Also check: Why do you need to take vitamin D during a pandemic?

Devikap – contraindications to use

Devikap drops and capsules can not be used by every patient. As contraindications to their use such diseases and conditions as:

1. allergy or hypersensitivity to cholecalciferol or any of the other ingredients and excipients of the drug;
2. you have found high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia) or in the urine (hypercalciuria);
3. kidney failure, nephrolithiasis, calcium kidney stones or a tendency to form kidney stones;
4. high levels of vitamin D in the blood (hypervitaminosis D);
5. Sarcoidosis or Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease (disease of the immune system).

Moreover, Devikap capsules should not be administered to people under 18 years of age (there are no such contraindications in the case of Devikap drops).

Also read: Vitamin D in the development of newborns

Devikap – Other warnings and recommended precautions

Taking Devikap, both in the form of drops and capsules, should instead discuss with your doctor in detail and exercise extreme caution, if:

1. you are taking certain medicines for heart problems, e.g. cardiac glycosides (such as digoxin);
2. you are taking a thiazide diuretic;
3. at the same time, the patient takes significant doses of calcium, uses other medications containing vitamin D3 or eats foods enriched with vitamin D;
4. the patient is immobilized;
5. the patient is likely to be exposed to frequent and intense sunlight while using the drug;
6. the patient has other kidney or cardiac diseases;
7. you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to have a baby – too high doses may be teratogenic and cause mental retardation and heart defects in children;
8. you are breastfeeding – when used in high doses as this medicine may cause symptoms of an overdose in your baby.

In the case of Devikap drops, which, under close medical supervision, can also be used in children, special care should also be taken in infants who have been diagnosed with small dimensions of the anterior crown. Due to the low (15 mg / ml) content of benzyl alcohol, it can also cause poisoning and allergic reactions in infants and children under 3 years of age.

During the use of the drug Devikap is recommended periodic monitoring of calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.

Devikap has not been shown to affect the ability to drive and use machines.

Devikap – interactions with other drugs

Devikap may also interact with other medications. Some of them will weaken its effect, others may be antagonistic towards it. Before starting the treatment, please inform your doctor about all medications you are taking – influence on the absorption or metabolism of vitamin D3 they can mainly have:

1. drugs for the treatment of heart conditions such as cardiac glycosides;
2. thiazide diuretics, e.g. bendroflumethiazide;
3. medications that contain vitamin D, calcitrol, or other vitamin D metabolites and analogues;
4. actinomycin;
5. imidazole antifungals such as clotrimazole and ketoconazole;
6. antiepileptic drugs, especially phenytoin and phenobarbital;
7. glucocorticoids such as hydrocortisone and prednisolone;
8. drugs to lower blood cholesterol such as cholestyramine and colestipol;
9. drugs for the treatment of obesity, e.g. orlistat;
10. certain laxatives, such as paraffin oil;
11. drugs for hypercalcaemia such as calcitonin, etidronate, pamidronate;
12. drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis – rifampicin, isoniazid;
13. antacids that contain magnesium and aluminum for heartburn and indigestion.

Devikap: drops and capsules – dosage

The effectiveness of the treatment with Devikap depends on the correct dosage of this preparationwhich in turn depends on the type of illness or health problem we are struggling with. The correct dose and frequency of taking Devikap drops or capsules should always be determined by a doctor, taking into account the amount of calcium taken by the patient (both in food and in the form of other medications).

According to the manufacturer’s recommendations Dosing regimen of the drug Devikap in drops should be as follows:

1. in the prevention of deficiencies – infants, children and adults: 500 IU (1 drop) a day;
2. vitamin D dependent rickets – children: 3 to 000 IU (10 to 000 drops) daily;
3. osteomalacia associated with taking anticonvulsants – children: 1 IU (000 drops) per day; Adults: 2 to 1 IU (000 to 4 drops) a day.

When treating vitamin D3 deficiency and the resulting ailments, the dose must always be determined individually with a doctor, according to the patient’s needs. Devikap drops should be administered in a tablespoon of liquid. To measure the correct dose, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle when counting the drops. Administering the drug directly from the bottle into the mouth may result in an overdose.

As for Devikap capsules, the appropriate dosage depends both on the patient’s needs and on the formulation chosen (2 IU, 000 IU or 4 IU capsules). The schedule of taking the drug should therefore be agreed with the doctor each time. The capsules should be swallowed whole with water – preferably with the main meal to ensure optimal absorption of vitamin D.

If a dose is missed, a double dose should not be administered to make up for it. If, on the other hand, you take a larger dose of the drug than prescribed by your doctor, you should see your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Vitamin D3 overdose it may be associated with a number of health-threatening ailments, such as:

1. muscle weakness
2. digestive system complaints: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, excessive thirst;
3. conjunctivitis and photophobia;
4. polyuria;
5. letarg;
6. hyperthermia;
7. hypertension;
8. Heart arythmia;
9. uraemia.

If an overdose occurs, it is imperative stop taking the medicine and drink plenty of fluids. The doctor may also decide about the need for hospital treatment.

Devikap – possible side effects

While taking Devikap, side effects may occur, although not everybody gets them. Some of them can be serious and require immediate medical attention. See a doctor as soon as possible if they occur symptoms of angioedema, such as:

1. swelling of the face, tongue or throat (larynx);
2. hives and difficulty breathing;
3. difficulty swallowing.

Other recorded side effects that may result from the use of Devikap include:

Occurring uncommonly – in less than 1 in 100 patients:

1. hypercalcemia – increased levels of calcium in the blood;
2. hypercalciuria – increased levels of calcium in the urine.

Occurring rarely – in less than 1 in 1 patients:

1. rash
2. itching

Occurring with an unknown frequency (insufficient data to determine this):

1. constipation;
2. flatulence and gas;
3. nausea;
4. abdominal pain;
5. diarrhea.

Devikap – how to store the drug?

Devikap drops and capsules should be stored out of the reach and sight of children. Refrigeration is not recommended, but it is important that the temperature in the room where the medicine is kept does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. The drug should be protected from light.

Devikap

The price of Devikap depends on the form of the drug and the dose of vitamin D3 contained in them, as well as the place of purchase. In most stationary and online pharmacies, the price of one pack of 10 ml Devikap drops ranges between PLN 10 and 17. When it comes to Devikap soft capsules, the prices are as follows:

1. Devikap 2 IU, package of 000 capsules – from 30 to 13 PLN;
2. Devikap 4 IU, package of 000 capsules – from 30 to 19 PLN;
3. Devikap 10 IU, a package of 000 capsules – from 30 to 28 PLN.

Also read: Vitamin D intake is especially important this winter. Why? [WE EXPLAIN]

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.