Translation of a-t 2026; 57: 29-30

Using vitamin D tablets correctly in infants

The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM) reminds users of the correct use of tablets with vitamin D₃ (e.g. VIGANTOL) and D₃ plus fluoride (e.g. ZYMAFLUOR D 500) for rickets and tooth decay prophylaxis in infants and young children. The reason for this is a death linked to a vitamin D₃ fluoride tablet in an infant. The three-months-old* baby may have died after aspirating on an incompletely dissolved tablet.¹ Tablets need to be dissolved in a small quantity of liquid for infants and young children. It is important to ensure that only liquids expressly mentioned in the summary of product characteristics and package leaflet are used. Before each use, it is necessary to check whether the tablet has actually fully disintegrated¹ before placing the suspension directly into the child's mouth (not in food).^2,3 Healthcare professionals should instruct parents to carefully follow the package leaflet.¹ The correct use is described in all summaries of product characteristics in Germany,^{e.g. 2,3} but not all providers explicitly indicate the risk of aspiration in the event of an incompletely dissolved tablet^{e.g. 4} We believe that this should be rectified immediately. Vitamin D₃ drops (DEVIT and others) are an available alternative for rickets prophylaxis alone, –Ed.

©  arznei-telegramm (Berlin/Germany), April 2026, protected by copyright laws.