DIFIX ® - Calcitriol

DIFIX ® is a Calcitriol based drug

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Vitamin D

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications DIFIX ® - Calcitriol

DIFIX ® is indicated in the treatment of pathologies associated with vitamin D deficiency such as renal osteodystrophy due to chronic renal failure and familial rickets.

Calcitriol is also used in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism and post-menopausal osteoporosis.

Mechanism of action DIFIX ® - Calcitriol

Calcitriol, also known as 1, 25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, is the most active metabolite of vitamin D3, and therefore responsible for the main biological effects of this molecule.

Obtained following different processes of hepatic and renal hydroxylation of colecalciferol, this molecule acts at the level:

Intestinal: stimulating the absorption of calcium and phosphate through the epithelial cells of the intestine;
Osseo, where it has an action similar to that of the paratoromone, stimulating the reabsorption of bone, hence the mobilization of calcium.
Renal, where it guarantees an important recovery of elements such as calcium and phosphorus.

Other important functions are attributed to vitamin D, such as the immunomodulatory, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and cell cycle regulating functions.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. CALCITRIOLO AND GLUCIDIC METABOLISM

Study that evaluates the effects of calcitriol on carbohydrate metabolism. In particular, the oral intake of this vitamin contributes to lowering the blood sugar level through the increased production of insulin. However, it is ineffective in improving sensitivity to this hormone.

2. CALCITRIOLO AND POST-OPERATIVE HYPOCCALCIA

Calcitriol appears to be more effective than cole calciferol + calcium in avoiding hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy

3. VITAMIN D3 AND MORTALITY

Very interesting prospective study that shows how the correct supplementation with vitamin D3 seems to reduce mortality in women mostly elderly admitted to hospital or long-term care facilities

Method of use and dosage

DIFIX ®

Capsules of 0.25 - 0.5 mcg of calcitriol:

treatment with DIFIX ® must be supervised by a specialist doctor who should define the correct dosage only after carefully evaluating the patient's health conditions and blood calcium concentrations.

In any case, the recommended starting dose is 0.25 mcg per day which could then be corrected until the best possible results are obtained.

Warnings DIFIX ® - Calcitriol

All treatment with DIFIX ® should be supervised by a doctor who periodically evaluates the blood concentrations of the various electrolytes.

This monitoring is fundamental both for the prevention of side effects and for the optimization of the dosages used and of the related therapeutic effect.

The possible appearance of side effects is fortunately easily recoverable through the suspension of the treatment or the adjustment of the doses used.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The use of DIFIX ® during pregnancy should take place under strict medical supervision in cases of absolute necessity.

The lipophilic nature of this vitamin could increase the risk of secretion in breast milk, therefore it is advisable to stop treatment during breastfeeding.

Accumulation of this vitamin in the fetus or infant could cause particularly dangerous adverse reactions.

Interactions

The use of DIFIX ® during pregnancy should take place under strict medical supervision in cases of absolute necessity.

The lipophilic nature of this vitamin could increase the risk of secretion in breast milk, therefore it is advisable to stop treatment during breastfeeding.

Accumulation of this vitamin in the fetus or infant could cause particularly dangerous adverse reactions.

Contraindications DIFIX ® - Calcitriol

DIFIX ® is contraindicated in case of hypercalcaemia or hypersensitivity to the active substance or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

DIFIX ® therapy is well tolerated and has no clinically relevant side effects if performed according to medical indications and patient needs.

Long-term treatments or particularly high doses could instead facilitate the onset of nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss, polyuria, sweating, headache, thirst, dizziness, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria and hyperfostatemia with the relative complications.