How Do Vitamin D Analogs Work

Vitamin D analogs are drugs used for treating disorders caused by vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D analogs work by:

• Increasing vitamin D levels in the body
• Helping the body absorb more calcium
• Regulating the immune system in the skin to reduce the overgrowth, thereby decreasing excessive blood phosphate levels
• Reducing parathyroid hormone levels

Vitamin D analogs are used for treating:

• Vitamin D deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• Psoriasis
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Kidney disease

Vitamin D analogs can cause the following side effects:

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dehydration
• Growth suppression
• Headache
• Metallic taste
• Muscle or bone pain
• Weakness
• Sleepiness
• Itching
• Palpitation
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Malaise
• Indigestion
• Joint pain
• Increase in weight
• Sleep disorder
• Weight loss
• Hypersensitivity reactions

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of vitamin D analogs include:

• Calcifediol
• Calcijex
• Calcitriol
• Doxercalciferol
• Hectorol
• Paricalcitol
• Rayaldee
• Rocaltrol
• Zemplar