What is Cholecalciferol?
Vitamin D3 is cholecalciferol. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Cholecalciferol can be used to supplement the diet of people who do not consume enough vitamin D. Cholecalciferol can be used in other ways not mentioned here.
Side effects of Cholecalciferol
If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, lip, face, throat or tongue swelling then these could all be signs of allergies.
If you experience:
- Feeling short of breath and having chest pain
- Growth problems in children taking cholecalciferol;
- Early signs of vitamin D overdose include weakness, weight loss, pain in the muscles or bones, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain.
You may experience less serious side effects or none at all.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects and report them directly with the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D3, Drisdol, D3, D3-50, Replesta, and Enfamil D'Vi Sol
Warnings
If you are allergic to vitamin D or have a high level of vitamin D or calcium in your system, you should avoid taking cholecalciferol. This is also true if your body has a condition called malabsorption, which makes it difficult for you to take nutrients from your food.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic to vitamin D or have any of the following:
- Hypervitaminosis () D;
- Hypercalcemia is a condition where there are high calcium levels in the blood.
- Malabsorption is a condition in which your body has difficulty absorbing nutrients.
If you've ever:
- Heart Disease
- Kidney disease
- Electrolyte balance is a problem.
You should consult your doctor before using cholecalciferol if you have allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU). Before using cholecalciferol, consult your doctor if you suffer from allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria. If you're pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking cholecalciferol. You may need a different dose during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Never give cholecalciferol without consulting a doctor. The dose your child receives will vary depending on their age, weight, and diet.
How to take Cholecalciferol?
Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Only use the prescribed dose of cholecalciferol. You can take the cholecalciferol with or without food. Dose liquid cholecalciferol with care. Dosing is done with the syringe that comes in the package or a dose-measuring device for medicine (not a spoon). Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it. Place the disintegrating tablet (Quick Melt) on your tongue. Do not swallow it whole. Let it dissolve without chewing in your mouth. You can drink liquids to aid in the swallowing of dissolved tablets. You should only take the cholecalciferol tablet once a week, or even once a month. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. You must chew the wafer before swallowing it. You will be required to have frequent blood tests while using cholecalciferol. X-rays may be required. How long you will be treated with cholecalciferol by your doctor is determined by him. Cholecalciferol is only one part of an overall treatment plan that may also include dietary modifications and calcium and vitamin supplementation. You should follow your doctor's advice. Find out what foods to eat in order to get the right amount of calcium and vitamin D. You may have to adjust your cholecalciferol dosage as you change your diet. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for vitamin and mineral supplementation:
Vitamin D Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) in the US
From 18 to 70 years old: 15 mg (600 I.U.) per day
Maximum Tolerable Intake Level: 100 mg (4000 units international)
Normal geriatric dose for vitamin and mineral supplementation:
Vitamin D Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) in the US
Age 70 and over: 20 mg (800 units international) per day
Maximum Tolerable Intake Level: 100 mcg (4000 International Units)
Normal Paediatric Dose of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements:
Vitamin D Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) in the US
From 0–6 months: daily 10 mg, 400 international units
The upper limit of tolerable intake (UL) is 25 mcg (1 000 international units).
From 7–12 months: 10 mg (400 units international) per day
UL: 38 mg (1500 International Units)
From 1 to 3 years: 15 mg daily (600 international units).
UL: 64 mcg (2,500 international units).
From 4–8 years old: 15 mg (600 I.U.) per day
The UL limit is 75 mg (3000 units international).
From 9 to 18 years old: 15 mg (600 I.U.) per day
The UL standard is 100 mcg (4,000 international units).
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dose, take it right away. Doing so could reduce any health complications related to delayed dosing and may reduce costs associated with future administrations of medicines. Skip the dose if your next dose is near. Take only the dosage that has been recommended at once. Never double up!
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A vitamin D overdose can have serious and life-threatening effects. Overdose symptoms include body aches and stiffness, as well as nausea, vomiting, urinating less or more than normal, confusion, or an irregular heartbeat.
What should be avoided?
Before taking antiacids, multivitamins, or mineral supplements while taking cholecalciferol, consult your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Take your other medication at least two hours before or after taking cholecalciferol. Vitamins and herbal products can also affect cholecalciferol. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
