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Hypervitaminosis D associated with a vitamin D dispensing error
Ryan B Jacobsen1, Brett W Hronek, Ginelle A Schmidt
1College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. ryan-jacobsen@uiowa.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|September 16, 2011
Summary
A dispensing error led to a woman taking 50,000 IU of vitamin D daily, causing hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury. This case highlights the rare risk of hypervitaminosis D from excessive vitamin D supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Vitamin D supplementation is increasingly common for various health benefits.
- Hypervitaminosis D is rare and typically associated with extreme overdosing.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old female developed confusion, fatigue, and gait instability.
- Hospitalization revealed hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury.
- Investigation identified a dispensing error leading to daily intake of 50,000 IU vitamin D.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms and laboratory values resolved after discontinuing vitamin D.
- Serum calcium, vitamin D levels, and renal function returned to baseline within five months.
- The root cause was a significant dispensing error in vitamin D dosage.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe toxicity even with seemingly standard supplementation.
- Highlights the critical need for accurate dosage conversion and error detection in prescribing and dispensing.
- Emphasizes patient and provider education on vitamin D risks and safe usage.
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