Cholecalciferol

Generic name: Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
Drug class: Vitamins

Usage of Cholecalciferol

CholeCalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

Cholecalciferol is used as a dietary supplement in people who do not get enough vitamin D in their diets to maintain adequate health.

Cholecalciferol may also be used for purposes not listed in this guide.

Cholecalciferol 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.

Before taking Cholecalciferol

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.

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How to use Cholecalciferol

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D:18 to 70 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) dailyTolerable Upper Intake Level: 100 mcg (4000 international units)

Usual Geriatric Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D:70 years and older: 20 mcg (800 international units) dailyTolerable Upper Intake Level: 100 mcg (4000 international units)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D:0 to 6 months: 10 mcg (400 international units) dailyTolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): 25 mcg (1000 international units)7 to 12 months: 10 mcg (400 international units) dailyUL: 38 mcg (1500 international units)1 to 3 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) dailyUL: 63 mcg (2500 international units)4 to 8 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) dailyUL: 75 mcg (3000 international units)9 to 18 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) dailyUL: 100 mcg (4000 international units)

Warnings

You should not take cholecalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body, or any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

What other drugs will affect Cholecalciferol

Certain medications can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin D. If you take other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take cholecalciferol.

Other drugs may affect cholecalciferol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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