D 1000 IU

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of D 1000 IU

Quick Facts: D 1000 IU

Property Description
Active Ingredient Dihydrotachysterol
Form Oral Solution or Capsules
Pharmacological Class Vitamin D Analog / Antihypocalcemic Agent
General Purpose Regulates and increases systemic calcium levels
Origin Synthetic Sterol Derivative

What is D 1000 IU and What Type of Medicine Is It?

The preparation known as D 1000 IU is a specific pharmaceutical product whose active ingredient is Dihydrotachysterol. This compound is classified as a potent Vitamin D Analog, belonging to the functional category of Antihypocalcemic Agents. This classification confirms the medicine's role in counteracting or preventing dangerously low calcium levels in the blood, a condition referred to as hypocalcemia. The 1000 IU (International Units) designation quantifies the standardized strength of the active substance within the preparation. Dihydrotachysterol is recognized for its ability to elevate serum calcium levels, particularly in scenarios where patients cannot efficiently activate natural Vitamin D forms.

Is Dihydrotachysterol Natural or Synthetic? (Composition and Form)

Dihydrotachysterol is a synthetic sterol derivative, a single-ingredient product chemically engineered for predictable therapeutic control. D 1000 IU is supplied as an oral solution or, in some cases, as capsules. For effective oral administration, the active ingredient is frequently dissolved in an oil base (such as vegetable oil), a necessity for the proper intestinal absorption of this fat-soluble compound. Unlike other Vitamin D forms, Dihydrotachysterol is structurally modified, which allows it to act more directly on the body’s calcium-regulating system.

What is the General Purpose of This Vitamin D Analog?

The primary purpose of D 1000 IU is to support essential calcium homeostasis regulation by ensuring the body can properly acquire and manage this critical mineral. The medicine helps facilitate increased intestinal calcium absorption from the diet, thereby promoting necessary mineral availability for vital physiological functions. By functioning as an antihypocalcemic agent, the preparation ensures that the foundational mineral requirements for critical functions, including nerve impulse transmission and muscle performance, are consistently maintained.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls: Hypocalcemia

What side effects are possible with D 1000 IU?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for D 1000 IU is primarily characterized by the risk of elevated calcium levels, which are generally associated with high doses or prolonged use. The following side effects are documented in regulatory sources, categorized by how often they may occur.

Frequency Side Effect Category
Uncommon (Affecting < 1 in 100 people) Hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood), Hypercalciuria (high calcium in the urine)
Rare (Affecting < 1 in 1,000 people) Skin reactions (e.g., pruritus/itching, rash, urticaria)
Not Known Gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., constipation, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea), Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angio-oedema)

Serious Safety Information and Limitations

The most significant risk documented in official safety summaries is Hypervitaminosis D, a severe toxicity caused by excessive intake. This condition can lead to persistent hypercalcemia, which, in isolated cases, has been reported to cause fatal renal or cardiovascular failure. Long-term overdose may also result in calcification of soft tissues and kidney stone formation (nephrolithiasis).

Specific Safety Restrictions

This medicine is contraindicated and must not be used by individuals with:

  • Pre-existing hypercalcaemia or hypercalciuria.
  • Documented Hypervitaminosis D.
  • A history of calcium-containing kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) or severe renal impairment.

Caution is also required for patients with certain conditions like sarcoidosis or impaired renal function, and during pregnancy/lactation, as prolonged hypercalcemia must be strictly avoided due to potential risks to the child.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose Risk (Hypervitaminosis D)

Overdose with Vitamin D (D 1000 IU, typically Cholecalciferol) is rare when used as directed, but prolonged, excessive intake of high-dose supplements can lead to Vitamin D toxicity (Hypervitaminosis D). This condition primarily results in hypercalcemia (abnormally high blood calcium levels).

Symptoms and Presentations

Clinical manifestations of toxicity are generally a consequence of hypercalcemia, affecting multiple body systems. Documented symptoms include:

  • Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or abdominal pain.
  • Renal/Urinary: Excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and potential kidney damage or stone formation.
  • Systemic: Weakness, fatigue, confusion, headache, and bone pain.

Toxicity has been documented with chronic intake of very high doses, typically 40,000 IU/day to 50,000 IU/day or greater, over several months, rather than the 1000 IU dose. Infants and individuals with pre-existing conditions like sarcoidosis may be more susceptible to adverse effects.

Emergency Action

If you experience symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity, particularly persistent nausea, vomiting, increased thirst, and frequent urination, you should seek medical attention immediately. Management involves stopping Vitamin D and calcium intake, often with supportive measures such as intravenous hydration.

Therapeutic Uses of D 1000 IU

D 1000 IU (Dihydrotachysterol) is a specialized vitamin D analog that plays a role in managing systemic calcium levels in the body. This preparation is commonly used in the symptomatic management of conditions associated with persistent low calcium levels.

The medicine is relevant for conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms like Hypoparathyroidism, Pseudohypoparathyroidism, and metabolic bone diseases such as Rickets and Osteomalacia. It is applied in contexts like early Renal Osteodystrophy and postoperative care. This approach offers supportive therapeutic benefit by assisting in addressing systemic imbalance, which may assist with maintaining functional stability and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


“The clinical focus is on helping to ease symptoms related to heightened physiological activity and managing mineral deficiencies.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Neuromuscular Symptoms

Property Description
Symptom Category Symptoms related to heightened neurological or muscular activity.
Key Relief Context Applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns.
Symptom Clusters Addressed Groups of symptoms that may become intense or disruptive, such as muscle cramps, twitching, and the characteristic muscle spasms of tetany.
Benefit Contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports general well-being during symptomatic episodes.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use D 1000 IU? (Dihydrotachysterol)

The eligibility for D 1000 IU is strictly defined by regulatory documents, focusing on patient status and specific pre-existing conditions.

Contraindications: Populations Who Must Not Use

D 1000 IU is contraindicated and must not be used in patients with established Hypercalcemia (abnormally high blood calcium) or Hypervitaminosis D (toxicity from excessive Vitamin D). Use is also prohibited for individuals with an abnormal sensitivity to the toxic effects of Vitamin D.

Regulatory Status Affected Population
Contraindicated Hypercalcemia, Hypervitaminosis D
Contraindicated Abnormal sensitivity to Vitamin D effects

Restricted and Permitted Use

The medicine is permitted for use across the adult and pediatric population (infants and children) for approved hypocalcemic conditions. Use in patients with renal impairment is also permitted, as the drug does not require kidney activation.

Use is conditional for pregnant patients (FDA Category C), permitted only when the potential benefits are documented to outweigh the potential significant hazards. For patients with Hyperphosphatemia related to renal disease, eligibility is conditional upon strict management and maintenance of normal serum phosphorus levels. Official regulatory documentation on Dihydrotachysterol lacks data regarding its excretion into human milk.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section details documented interactions based on official regulatory and authoritative health information sources. Drug interactions with D 1000 IU (cholecalciferol) are mainly categorized by effects on its absorption, metabolism, or the risk of hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).

Category of Interacting Product Potential Interaction Mechanism
Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., Cholestyramine) & Orlistat Decreased intestinal absorption of D 1000 IU. Dose separation is required.
Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Phenobarbital) Increase the breakdown (metabolism) of vitamin D, potentially lessening its effectiveness.
Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) Reduce the excretion of calcium, significantly increasing the risk of hypercalcemia when combined with D 1000 IU.
Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin) High doses of D 1000 IU causing hypercalcemia can increase the risk of serious or fatal heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias).
Aluminum-containing Antacids/Phosphate Binders D 1000 IU may increase the absorption of aluminum, posing a toxicity risk, particularly in patients with kidney function impairment.
Calcipotriene (a psoriasis medicine) Concurrent use, especially at high doses, is restricted due to a significant risk of hypercalcemia.

Medications that affect liver enzymes, such as certain CYP3A4 substrates (e.g., some statins like atorvastatin), may also influence D 1000 IU levels and metabolism. Patients taking these products or any other medication should consult a healthcare provider to assess individual risk and monitoring needs.

Mechanism of Action

The cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) component of D 1000 IU is transported via Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) to the liver, where it undergoes 25-hydroxylation by CYP2R1 to form calcifediol (25( OH) D). Calcifediol subsequently travels to the kidney for 1alpha-hydroxylation by CYP27B1, producing the active hormonal ligand, calcitriol (1,25( OH)2 D). .

Calcitriol acts as an agonist for the nuclear Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a ligand-activated transcription factor expressed in most tissues. Upon ligand binding, the VDR forms a heterodimer with the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR). This VDR-RXR complex translocates to the nucleus and binds to specific DNA sequences known as Vitamin D Response Elements (VDREs) within the promoters of target genes.

This interaction modulates the transcription of numerous genes, including those encoding calcium transport proteins like TRPV6 and Calbindin-D9k in the intestine, and TRPV5 in the kidney. The downstream cascade leads to a net systemic increase in the efficiency of intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption and renal calcium reabsorption, thereby contributing to the systemic modulation of mineral homeostasis.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use D 1000 IU (Dihydrotachysterol)

The usage of Dihydrotachysterol, the active ingredient in D 1000 IU, follows structured guidelines for oral administration. The medicine is supplied as tablets or an oral solution (0.2 mg/mL) and is generally taken once daily. It may be taken with or without food.


Official Dosing and Schedule

Administration is divided into a short-term initial phase and a long-term maintenance phase.

Category Adult Dosing Range (Once Daily)
Initial Dose 0.8 mg to 2.4 mg (for several days, typically 4)
Maintenance Dose 0.2 mg to 1.0 mg
Renal Osteodystrophy 0.1 mg to 0.6 mg

For pediatric patients with hypoparathyroidism, initial dosing ranges from 1 mg to 5 mg daily for a few days, followed by a maintenance dose of 0.5 mg to 1.5 mg daily. The dose is highly individualized and may be adjusted at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks based on patient response.


Administration Conditions and Procedural Rules

Proper use requires specific administrative procedures. Patients must receive adequate oral calcium supplementation concurrently with Dihydrotachysterol. When the oral solution is used, a calibrated dropper must be used for accurate measurement. The dosage schedule necessitates frequent blood calcium determinations; the dose is controlled and adjusted to maintain target serum calcium levels, not by a fixed course duration. If a dose is missed, it is recommended to take the dose when remembered, but not to double the dose to compensate.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for D 1000 IU

The available information on D 1000 IU (Dihydrotachysterol) comes from official governmental health sources and the peer-reviewed scientific literature that documents its clinical evaluation. This section outlines the types of research that have been conducted and the study populations that were observed, adhering strictly to a research-focused, non-advisory summary.


Evidence for Use in Chronic Low Calcium Levels (Hypocalcemia)

Research has explored the use of Dihydrotachysterol in individuals dealing with long-term, low calcium levels, such as those diagnosed with Hypoparathyroidism and Pseudohypoparathyroidism—conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations of mineral imbalance. The research base includes a history of older clinical studies, documented case series, and long-term retrospective analyses, applied in studies examining symptom patterns related to mineral imbalance.

Studies monitored temporary physiological imbalance, primarily tracking serum levels of calcium and phosphate, to determine patterns related to stable mineral levels. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to measured shifts in serum calcium levels in the observed populations. In more contemporary research scenarios, Dihydrotachysterol has been used as the conventional comparator therapy when other treatments are evaluated in clinical trials.


What the Research Landscape Identifies as Uncertain

The evidence quality varies across studies, with the majority of the foundational data consisting of historical observational studies and case reports, meaning that comparative evidence is lacking against contemporary treatments.

Certainty remains low regarding its comparative performance against contemporary treatments. The challenge associated with the compound’s narrow therapeutic window was observed in some studies to increase the likelihood of hypercalcemic events. Evidence suggests that long-term effects are not fully established in recent, well-controlled studies. Research explores the historical context of Dihydrotachysterol relative to contemporary practice.

Key Studies & References

  1. Hypercalcemia and nephrocalcinosis in hypoparathyroidism: a retrospective analysis of patients treated with conventional vitamin D therapy
  2. Dihydrotachysterol Oral Solution/Capsules (Prescribing Information and Drug Label)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about D 1000 IU (FAQ)


Q: How long does it typically take to notice the benefits of D 1000 IU?

Clinical data suggests that the physiological response, such as an increase in blood calcium levels (one of the primary effects of the medication), may begin to be observed within a few days of starting therapy.


Q: Is it better to take D 1000 IU in the morning or at night?

Official product information states that this medication is generally taken once daily. The labeling does not specify a superior time of day for taking the medication, and it may be taken with or without food.


Q: Do I need to take D 1000 IU with food, and does it need to be a fatty meal?

The medication may be taken with or without food. Because the active ingredient is a fat-soluble compound, it is often dissolved in an oil base, which is necessary for proper intestinal absorption.


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of D 1000 IU?

Regulatory guidance suggests taking the dose when remembered. However, it is advised not to double the dose to compensate for the missed one.


Q: Is it normal to feel slightly nauseous after starting D 1000 IU?

Nausea is listed in safety summaries as a potential gastrointestinal disturbance. It is also noted as a possible early symptom of Vitamin D intoxication (hypercalcemia). Consult a healthcare provider if you experience this symptom.


Q: Is D 1000 IU the same as regular vitamin D supplements?

No, they are not the same. The active ingredient in D 1000 IU, Dihydrotachysterol, is classified as a synthetic Vitamin D Analog. This means it is chemically distinct from the common, naturally occurring Vitamin D forms like D3 (Cholecalciferol).


Q: What are the most common reasons doctors prescribe D 1000 IU?

According to the official labeling, the medication is primarily indicated for managing low blood calcium (hypocalcemia) associated with specific conditions. These include Hypoparathyroidism and Renal Osteodystrophy.


Q: Does D 1000 IU help with bone density?

The medication is a calcium regulator indicated for conditions where mineral imbalances affect bone structure. Studies support its role in helping to manage conditions that indirectly affect bone health.


Q: Are there any foods I should avoid while taking D 1000 IU?

Official information advises patients to avoid abrupt changes in their dietary calcium intake. The need to adjust foods or beverages containing added calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may also interact with this medicine.


Q: How is D 1000 IU stored, and does it expire quickly?

The medication must be stored according to its label, typically protected from excess heat and kept at room temperature. Regulatory standards require that the product bear a specific expiration date, which is determined by the manufacturer's stability testing.


Q: Is D 1000 IU likely to interact with calcium supplements?

Yes, Dihydrotachysterol is known to interact with calcium-containing products. Due to the risk of combined effects leading to hypercalcemia (dangerously high calcium levels), close patient monitoring is required during therapy.


Q: What happens to D 1000 IU if I leave it in a hot car?

To maintain the medication’s stability and safety, regulatory guidelines recommend protection from excess heat and moisture. Storage at room temperature is advised.


Q: Is D 1000 IU available in liquid drops for easier swallowing?

Yes, regulatory documents list D 1000 IU as being available in multiple forms. These include an oral solution (liquid form), as well as capsules or tablets.


Q: Why do doctors check vitamin D levels before recommending a supplement like D 1000 IU?

The labeling requires close monitoring of serum calcium and phosphorus levels throughout therapy. This monitoring is necessary to prevent Hypervitaminosis D, which is toxicity caused by excessive intake, and related high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).


Q: Is it true that D 1000 IU needs kidney and liver activation?

Official pharmacological information indicates that Dihydrotachysterol is activated in the liver. However, unlike natural Vitamin D, it does not require a second activation step in the kidney, which is one reason it may be used for patients with kidney function impairment.


Q: What is the scientific evidence supporting the use of D 1000 IU for general health?

Regulatory evidence and clinical studies support the use of D 1000 IU for specific medical conditions, namely Hypoparathyroidism, Pseudohypoparathyroidism, and Renal Osteodystrophy. The research that supports its use is specific to these clinical indications and is not for general health purposes.

How should D 1000 IU be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of D 1000 IU?

This medication must be stored according to official regulatory requirements to maintain stability and safety. Keep D 1000 IU in the container it came in, with the cap tightly closed.

Storage Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at room temperature.
Protection Protect from excess heat and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Child-Protection Storage:

It is essential to keep the medication out of sight and reach of children at all times. Always use a safe location that is up and away, and ensure safety caps are locked when applicable.

Disposal:

Dispose of this medication properly when it is no longer needed. Do not flush it down the toilet unless specifically instructed by healthcare professionals. Follow local and governmental guidelines for safe disposal.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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