MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 24, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer



GENERIC NAME: DIHYDROTACHYSTEROL (DHT) - ORAL (dye-HYE-dro-tack-ISS-ter-ohl)

BRAND NAME(S): DHT, Hytakerol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This is a form of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the body. Vitamin D is necessary for normal bone development. This medication is used to treat certain types of muscle cramps (tetany) and to regulate parathyroid hormone in persons with hypoparathyroidism.

HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth. Carefully measure the liquid doses using the dropper provided or a marked medication spoon. Do not take this medication with mineral oil or magnesium containing antacids which may reduce its effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. However, it may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, thirst, weakness, headache, bone pain, dry mouth or increased urination. Notify your doctor if you experience any of these effects while taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing heart disease, kidney disease, kidney stones, coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries). This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: digoxin, cholestyramine, colestipol, mineral oil, thiazide diuretics (water pills), phenobarbital, phenytoin, steroids. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Muscle Cramps - Get information on muscle cramps causes (vitamin deficiency, drugs, lactic acid, dehydration, low calcium, potassium or magnesium), treatment and prevention.
  • Hypoparathyroidism - Read about hypoparathyroidism symptoms like tingling lips, fingers, and toes; dry hair, brittle nails, and dry, coarse skin; muscle cramps, memory loss, headaches, and more. Causes and treatment information is also included.

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

copyright


Women's Health

Find out what women really need.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain



dihydrotachysterol (DHT)-oral, DHT, Hytakerol

What are muscle cramps?

When we use the muscles that can voluntarily be controlled, such as those of our arms and legs, they alternately contract and relax as we move our limbs. Muscles that support our head, neck, and trunk contract similarly in a synchronized fashion to maintain our posture. A muscle (or even a few fibers of a muscle) that involuntarily (without consciously willing it) contracts is called a "spasm." If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. A muscle cramp is thus defined as an involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax. This causes a visible or palpable hardening of the involved muscle.

Muscle cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to a quarter of an hour or occasionally longer. It is not uncommon for a cramp to recur multiple times until it finally goes away. The cramp may involve a part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or several muscles that usually act together, s...

Read the Muscle Cramps article »



Top 2
dihydrotachysterol (DHT)-oral, DHT, Hytakerol Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.