Generic name: Cholecalciferol (vitamin d3)
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Vitamin D3?
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a supplement that helps your body absorb calcium.
It’s typically used to treat people who have a vitamin D deficiency or related disorder, such as rickets or osteomalacia.
Some individuals who might need extra vitamin D include:
- Older adults
- Breastfed babies
- People with darker skin
- Obese individuals (or those who’ve had gastric bypass surgery)
- People with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, or liver disease
Vitamin D3 may be used with different supplements or medicines to treat or prevent other conditions.
Warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3))?
You should not use cholecalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:
- high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);
- high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
- any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart disease;
- kidney disease; or
- an electrolyte imbalance.
Certain forms of cholecalciferol may contain ingredients you should know about, such as peanut or soybean oil, sugar, aspartame (phenylalanine), or certain food dyes. Ask a doctor before using cholecalciferol if you have allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU).
Too much vitamin D could harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using cholecalciferol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
Do not give cholecalciferol to a child without medical advice. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.
How should I use Vitamin D3
Use Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all the guides or instruction sheets. Use only the recommended dose of cholecalciferol.
It may be best to take cholecalciferol after a meal, but you may take it with or without food.
Measure liquid cholecalciferol carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it.
To take a disintegrating (Quick-Melt) tablet, place it on your tongue and do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
The cholecalciferol wafer is usually taken only once per week or once per month. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. The wafer must be chewed before you swallow it.
While using cholecalciferol, you will need frequent blood tests. You may also need x-rays.
Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with cholecalciferol.
Cholecalciferol may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes dietary changes and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Learn about the foods you should eat to make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Your cholecalciferol dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
Take cholecalciferol as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Vitamin D3 side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking cholecalciferol and call your doctor at once if you have:
- chest pain, feeling short of breath;
- growth problems (in a child taking cholecalciferol); or
- early signs of vitamin D overdose--weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Vitamin D3?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking cholecalciferol.
What to Expect
Taking a vitamin D supplement, such as cholecalciferol, can improve deficiencies within months. But these effects may take longer if you have a more severe deficiency or are obese.
Additional Dosage Information
Your dosage of cholecalciferol will depend on your medical condition, your age, and other factors.
Most experts recommend that you shouldn’t take more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D a day. When your serum D3 is very low (less than 12 nanograms per milliliter), some may recommend a short course of once-weekly 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 or D3, followed by a usual dose of 600 to 800 IU daily.
Secondary Uses
Vitamin D is used as a therapy for helping prevent or treat various other medical conditions, including:
- Osteoporosis
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Psoriasis
- Dementia or other cognitive disorders