CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Fergus Allerton, Fear Free,
Medication: Vitamin D
Your cat has been prescribed vitamin D either because your pet is deficient in vitamin D or to help maintain your pet’s blood calcium levels.
ℹ️Key points: • Dosage: once daily, or as prescribed by your veterinarian. • Follow your veterinarian's advice closely and ensure regular blood tests to check your pet’s blood calcium and phosphorous levels.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Vitamin D (vit-ah-min D).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing vitamin D.
Class of medication
- Vitamin.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a general term to describe a range of compounds which influence complex essential calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. Calcium and phosphorous are needed for healthy bones, teeth, muscles and have many other important functions too. Types of vitamin D that your veterinarian may prescribe include:
- Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol or calciferol)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Dihydrotachysterol
- Alfacalcidol
- Calcitriol (1,25-dihydrocholecalciferol).
How is the medication given?
Vitamin D is given orally as a tablet or liquid. Dosage is usually once daily but your veterinarian will advise the correct dose for your pet. Tablets/liquid are best administered with food.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
If your pet appears to have any side-effects from their medication, then speak to your veterinarian straight away. Possible side-effects may include increased thirst and increased urination, These symptoms can be a sign that your pet’s blood calcium levels have become too high. It is important that calcium levels are brought back to normal, to avoid kidney damage, so always call your veterinarian if you are worried. Antacids that contain magnesium may interact with vitamin D and should be used with caution. Also use with caution with thiazide diuretics, verapamil, digoxin, steroids and phenobarbital. Let your veterinarian know if your pet is on any other medications, including home remedies or herbal preparations. Vitamin D should only be used in animals with normal blood phosphorous levels.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Vitamin D should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. The length of treatment will vary between patients. Some patients will need this supplement for life and if your veterinarian advises this then it is important to continue with the treatment, even if your pet seems well.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused vitamin D safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Do not save vitamin D for future use or give to other pets. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the dose given does not exceed the total recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you accidentally double dose your pet with vitamin D then there are unlikely to be any consequences, but it is best to call your veterinarian for advice.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Vitamin D should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on vitamin D?
Your veterinarian will need to check your pet regularly to ensure that the drug is working safely and to comply with prescribing regulations. Your veterinarian will need to run regular blood tests to check your pet’s calcium and phosphorous levels.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on vitamin D can be found on the package insert or via your veterinarian.Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the UK or Europe. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing this drug in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human medication containing this drug and will explain off-license use of medications to you.