Vitamin D deficiency: appropriate replenishment therapies and the effects of vitamin D toxicity

Consult Pharm. 2010 Mar;25(3):171-7. doi: 10.4140/TCP.n.2010.171.

Abstract

An 84-year-old patient diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency was given a prescription for ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) 50,000 units weekly. The prescription was incorrectly filled for ergocalciferol 50,000 units daily. Incorrect therapy continued for two months. The patient's vitamin D level increased from < 7.0 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL over a six-month span. The patient complained of decreased appetite and significant weight loss and presented with an elevated International Normalized Ratio at a pharmacist-run anticoagulation clinic. In conjunction with the physician, the pharmacist discontinued vitamin D therapy and monitored levels.Vitamin D plays an integral role in the body's ability to absorb calcium and regulate calcium homeostasis. Further benefits have been reported regarding the role of vitamin D in muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and in preventing osteoporosis and falls. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the older adult population as a result of low dietary intake, decreased sun exposure, decreased intrinsic vitamin D production, and decreased vitamin D receptor activity. Replenishment using high-dose ergocalciferol is one common replenishment therapy. Patients also are able to supplement with nonprescription vitamin D products of varying strengths. While many older patients can be expected to have vitamin D deficiencies, pharmacists should be aware of appropriate replenishment therapies and correct dosing of different vitamin D products. Pharmacists also should be familiar with possible toxic effects of vitamin D, particularly as public awareness of benefits continues to increase.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Appetite
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ergocalciferols / administration & dosage
  • Ergocalciferols / adverse effects
  • Ergocalciferols / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • International Normalized Ratio
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage
  • Vitamins / adverse effects
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*
  • Weight Loss / drug effects

Substances

  • Ergocalciferols
  • Vitamins