DOW-D INJ (Cholecalciferol) 5mg/ml

Based on the description “DOW-D INJ (Cholecalciferol) 5mg/ml”, here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. **Product Name:** DOW-D INJ
* “DOW-D” is the brand name.
* “INJ” clearly indicates it’s an **Injectable** formulation.

2. **Active Ingredient:** **Cholecalciferol**
* This is **Vitamin D3**, the natural form of vitamin D produced by the skin in response to sunlight and also found in some foods.
* It is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone health, muscle function, and immune system regulation.

3. **Concentration:** **5 mg/ml**
* This means each milliliter (ml) of the injection solution contains **5 milligrams (mg)** of Cholecalciferol.
* **Potency Note:** Vitamin D is often measured in International Units (IU). The conversion is generally:
* **1 µg (microgram) of Cholecalciferol = 40 IU**
* Therefore, **1 mg (1000 µg) of Cholecalciferol = 40,000 IU**
* **5 mg/ml = 5 * 40,000 IU = 200,000 IU per milliliter**
* **This is a very high concentration, indicating it is a potent prescription medication, NOT an over-the-counter supplement.**

**In summary, DOW-D INJ (Cholecalciferol) 5mg/ml is:**

* A **prescription-only**, **high-potency injectable form of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)**.
* Each milliliter contains **5 mg (200,000 IU)** of Vitamin D3.

**Typical Uses & Key Points:**

* **Purpose:** To rapidly correct **severe vitamin D deficiency** or to treat conditions requiring high-dose vitamin D therapy when oral administration is not feasible, insufficient, or contraindicated.
* **Common Reasons for Use:**
* Severe, symptomatic vitamin D deficiency (e.g., osteomalacia in adults, rickets in children).
* Malabsorption syndromes where oral vitamin D is poorly absorbed (e.g., Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, post-bariatric surgery, chronic pancreatitis).
* Patients unable to take oral medications reliably.
* Specific medical conditions requiring high-dose therapy under strict medical supervision.
* **Administration:**
* Given by **intramuscular (IM)** injection, typically into a large muscle like the gluteus or thigh.
* **Dosing is HIGHLY individualized** and determined by a doctor based on the severity of deficiency, blood test results (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels), body weight, underlying conditions, and treatment goals.
* Doses can range from a single large loading dose (e.g., 300,000 – 600,000 IU / 7.5mg – 15mg) to smaller repeated doses over weeks or months. **Self-administration is NOT appropriate.**
* **Critical Considerations:**
* **Prescription Only:** This is a potent medication requiring a doctor’s prescription and supervision. It is **not** a routine supplement.
* **Toxicity Risk (Hypervitaminosis D):** Overdosing can lead to dangerously high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia), causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, weakness, frequent urination, kidney stones, kidney damage, bone pain, and confusion. This risk is significant with injectable high-dose vitamin D.
* **Monitoring:** Blood tests (serum 25-OH-D and calcium levels) are **essential** before starting treatment and during therapy to monitor effectiveness and safety.
* **Contraindications:** Should not be used in patients with hypercalcemia, hypervitaminosis D, or known hypersensitivity to any component.
* **Interactions:** Can interact with several medications, including other vitamin D analogs, thiazide diuretics (increased hypercalcemia risk), cardiac glycosides (digoxin – increased risk of arrhythmias), magnesium-containing antacids, certain anti-seizure meds, and corticosteroids. **Full medication review is mandatory.**
* **Storage:** Usually requires storage in the **refrigerator** (2°C to 8°C) and protection from light. Check the specific product leaflet.
* **Sodium Content:** Some injectable vitamin D formulations may contain sodium; check the excipients list if sodium restriction is crucial.

**Always rely on the prescribing doctor’s instructions and the official product information leaflet for specific dosage, administration technique, warnings, contraindications, and storage requirements. Do not use this medication without a prescription and medical supervision.**