What is Stexerol D?
Stexerol D, more formally known by its specific brand name Stexerol-D3, is a licensed medication containing the active substance colecalciferol, which is a form of vitamin D3. Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that is primarily synthesized in the skin through exposure to sunlight and is also obtained in smaller amounts from certain foods. The body requires vitamin D for the regulation of calcium and phosphate absorption from the diet, both of which are vital for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
When an individual's vitamin D levels are insufficient, it can lead to various bone health problems, making supplementation necessary. As a licensed treatment, Stexerol-D3 offers an assured consistency, efficacy, and quality that can be tailored to a patient's specific needs through different dosage strengths.
Primary Medical Uses of Stexerol D
Stexerol-D3 is prescribed for several key medical applications, all centered on correcting and maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.
Treatment and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency
This is the most common and direct use of Stexerol D. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue, particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure, or among certain risk groups such as the elderly, housebound individuals, or those with darker skin. A deficiency can lead to a condition called osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children, where bones become soft and weak. Stexerol-D3 effectively replenishes the body's vitamin D stores to resolve this issue.
Adjunct Therapy for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by thinning and weakening of the bones, which increases the risk of fractures. Stexerol-D3 is often prescribed alongside other medications as an adjunct to specific therapy for osteoporosis, particularly in patients who have a confirmed vitamin D deficiency or are at risk of insufficiency. By restoring proper calcium absorption, Stexerol-D3 helps to support overall bone mineralization and strength.
How Does Stexerol D Work?
The mechanism of action for Stexerol D involves a series of metabolic steps to convert the inactive form of vitamin D3 into its active form, calcitriol.
- Absorption and Transport: After being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, colecalciferol is transported to the liver.
- Hydroxylation in the Liver: The liver hydroxylates colecalciferol to produce 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (calcifediol).
- Further Hydroxylation in the Kidneys: This metabolite is then further hydroxylated in the kidneys to form the highly active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol).
- Target Organ Activation: Calcitriol binds to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in various tissues, including the intestines and bones, to regulate gene expression.
- Regulation of Calcium and Phosphate: Calcitriol promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the small intestine, increases reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys, and works with parathyroid hormone (PTH) to mobilize calcium from the bone when needed. These actions collectively elevate serum calcium levels, helping to correct and prevent deficiency.
Administration of Stexerol D
The administration of Stexerol D depends on the patient's specific needs and the severity of their deficiency, as determined by a doctor. The tablets can be swallowed whole or crushed. The appropriate regimen is established by a healthcare professional.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Like all medications, Stexerol D has potential side effects and is not suitable for everyone.
Common Side Effects (Uncommon or Rare):
- Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)
- Hypercalcaemia (excessive calcium in the blood), which can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, and excessive urination
- Hypercalciuria (excessive calcium in the urine), which may lead to kidney stones
Contraindications (Do not take if you have):
- Allergy to vitamin D or any other ingredients
- High levels of vitamin D (hypervitaminosis D)
- High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia) or urine (hypercalciuria)
- Kidney stones or severe kidney problems
- Sarcoidosis, a condition that can increase sensitivity to vitamin D
Stexerol D vs. Other Vitamin D Sources
| Feature | Stexerol-D3 (Colecalciferol) | Over-the-Counter (OTC) Supplements | Natural Sources (Sunlight/Diet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Prescription only for high-dose forms | Easily available over the counter in various strengths | Dependent on location, season, diet, and lifestyle |
| Dose Strength | Available in both high (25,000 IU) and low (1,000 IU) strengths | Typically lower maintenance doses, often 400-1,000 IU | Variable and difficult to quantify consistently |
| Medical Oversight | Prescribed and monitored by a doctor, especially for high doses and long-term use | User-managed; professional advice is recommended for high-dose or long-term use | No medical oversight; requires conscious effort to achieve sufficient exposure |
| Suitability | Best for treating diagnosed deficiency and specific bone conditions like osteoporosis | Suitable for preventing deficiency or addressing mild insufficiency | Limited by factors like season, latitude, skin pigmentation, and use of sunscreen |
| Cost | Can be covered by health insurance or prescribed at a specific cost | Generally affordable, but can vary by brand and dose | Free (sunlight) or dependent on food choices (e.g., fatty fish, fortified products) |
Conclusion
Stexerol D is a licensed and effective medication for managing vitamin D levels, primarily used to treat and prevent deficiency and to assist in the management of osteoporosis. Its active ingredient, colecalciferol, functions by boosting the body's ability to absorb essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus for bone health. Treatment with Stexerol D, especially at higher dose strengths, is supervised by a doctor who determines the appropriate regimen and monitors blood calcium levels to prevent side effects. Individuals should be aware of potential drug interactions and contraindications, including high calcium levels or kidney problems. For many people at risk of or suffering from vitamin D deficiency, Stexerol D provides a reliable and medically approved solution to support long-term bone health.
Visit the Electronic Medicines Compendium for prescribing information.
