Vigantol – action, dosage, precautions, price

Proven content

Vigantol is a vitamin preparation used to supplement vitamin D3 deficiencies and prevent the negative effects of the deficiency. The drug is available over the counter. It can be used in both children and adults, however, there are clear contraindications to its use. So let’s get to know the dosage options as well as the side effects that occur while taking Vigantol.

Vigantol – action

The properties of Vigantol are directly related to the presence of the active substance, which is cholecalciferol, which is a biologically inactive form of vitamin D. It is converted into the active form after absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, the preparation increases the concentration of vitamin D3, which plays an important role in the human body, including:

1. regulates the calcium and phosphate balance,  
2. affects bone mineralization,  
3. supports the proper functioning of the immune system.  

In addition, cholecalciferol is involved in the bone formation process.

It is also worth remembering that diseases of the liver and biliary tract have a negative impact on the absorption of cholecalciferol.

Vigantol – when should you use the drug?

The use of Vigantol is recommended in order to prevent:

1. rickets in children and adults; 
2. Rickets in premature babies; 
3. Osteomalacia in children and adults; 
4. Vitamin D3 deficiency; 
5. Diseases related to vitamin D3 deficiency. 

In addition, the preparation can be used as an adjunctive treatment for osteoporosis in adults.

Vigantol – the composition of the drug

As already mentioned, the active ingredient of Vigantol is cholecalciferol. In 1 ml (40 drops) there is 500 μg of cholecalciferol (20000 IU of vitamin D3. The auxiliary substances of the drug are triglycerides of saturated fatty acids of medium chain length.

Vigantol – dosage

Vigantol in the form of drops should be taken orally. It should be remembered that the drug should be administered (especially to children) under strict medical supervision. The doses for each age group are as follows:

1. Premature babies – two drops a day. After the age of 40 weeks, the dose should be reduced (1000 IU of vitamin D3); 
2. Newborns and infants up to twelve months of age – one drop a day (500 IU of vitamin D3); 
3. Children after the age of twelve months, adolescents and the elderly – two drops a day (800-1000 IU of vitamin D3); 
4. Adults (in the prevention of osteoporosis) – two drops a day (1000 IU of vitamin D3). 

It should be remembered that for the prevention of curvature in premature babies and infants, Vigantol is given from the second week of life to the first year of life.

Vigantol – how to administer the drug?

A drop of Vigantol should be administered with liquid. For premature babies and infants, one drop may be given with milk or food. When it comes to food, it should be borne in mind that it does not contain an additional dose of vitamin D3. In addition, we need to make sure that the children have eaten all the food or milk. If it doesn’t, your dose will not be complete.

1. Mother’s milk from a pediatrician’s perspective – facts and myths

In the case of children whose mothers took vitamin D3 in the third trimester of pregnancy, supplementation can be started from the third week of the child’s life. If the woman did not take vitamin D3, supplementation should be started in the first days of the child’s life.

Children over 12 months of age, adolescents, adults and the elderly should take two drops per tablespoon of liquid.

Vigantol – contraindications to use

The main contraindication to taking Vigantol is hypersensitivity to any substance contained in the drug. The Vigantol leaflet informs about contraindications to start supplementation. The use of the preparation is not allowed in the case of patients:

1. with kidney stones,  
2. with severe renal failure,  
3. struggling with hypercalcemia (too high calcium levels in the blood) and / or hypercalciuria (excessive calcium excretion from the body); 
4. with alleged hypoparathyroidism.  

Vigantol – precautions

The warnings regarding the use of Vigantol boil down to a few of the following considerations:

1. Additional doses of vitamin D3 should only be taken under medical supervision; 
2. People suffering from sarcoidosis should exercise extreme caution when supplementing with vitamin D3; 
3. In the case of people with renal impairment, it is necessary to monitor the metabolism of phosphate and calcium; 
4. In the event of elevated blood calcium levels, the dose should be reduced or supplementation discontinued; 
5. In the case of premature babies, infants and children, special care should be taken; 
6. For patients who are taking cardiac glycosides or diuretics. 

Vigantol – interactions with other drugs

Vigantol may interact with other medications, so you should inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

First of all, glucocorticosteroid, phenytoin and barbiturates may reduce the effectiveness of vitamin D3. On the other hand, rifampicin and isoniazid increase the metabolism of vitamin D3, reducing the effectiveness of Vigantol. In addition, the drug reacts:

1. With antacids – increases the concentration of magnesium in the blood; 
2. With star diuretics – consequently lead to hypercalcemia; 
3. With digitalis – cholecalciferol may increase the toxic effects of digitalis; 
4. With cardiac glycosides – the risk of developing arrhythmias increases; 
5. With vitamin D analogues – possible only in justified cases, use together with Vigantol. 

Also read: What does digitalis glycoside poisoning look like?

Vigantol – side effects

Although Vigantol is a safe preparation, some side effects may appear while taking it. Common side effects include: gastrointestinal disorders, rash, hives. Prolonged use of high doses may result in the development of hypercalcaemia and an increase in urinary calcium excretion.

Vigantol – symptoms of overdose

An overdose of vigantol is possible. Most often, in adults it occurs after consuming 20000 to 60000 IU of cholecalciferol for a period from several days to several months, and in infants from 2000 to 4000 IU of cholecalciferol daily for several months. Long-term overdose of Vigantol is associated with:

1. Hypercalcemia; 
2. Hypercalciuria; 
3. Calcification of the parenchymal organs; 
4. Increased levels of phosphorus in serum and urine; 
5. Calcium build-up in tissues, which can lead to kidney stones or nephrocalcinosis. 

It should also be mentioned that the symptoms of Vigantol poisoning are not specific. The most common ones include headache, nausea, muscle pain and joint pain.

After exceeding 13 mg / 100 ml of calcium in the blood, cardiac disorders appear. Psychosis may develop, the patient may fall into a coma.

If symptoms of chronic overdose are noted, the first priority is to rehydrate the patient, give him corticosteroids or calcitonin. If you have elevated levels of calcium in your blood, you will need to stop taking vitamin D and follow a low calcium diet.

Vigantol during pregnancy and breastfeeding – how should the drug be administered?

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, proper vitamin D supplementation is very important, the dose of which should be determined by a doctor. A daily dose not exceeding 500 IU of colecalciferol should have no effect either on the woman or the fetus. A daily dose higher than 500 IU should be agreed with the doctor and taken only under his supervision.

Vigantol – how to store the drug?

Keep Vigantol out of the reach of children in its original packaging. The best is a shaded place with a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees C. These data indicated in the Vigantol leaflet also apply to the storage of other drugs.

Vigantol – price and availability of the drug

Vigantol is available over the counter at any pharmacy. It can also be purchased through the website of the selected store. The price for a 10 ml pack is about PLN 13.