Generic name: cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) [ KOE-le-kal-SIF-e-role ]
Brand names: Carlson D, Ddrops, Decara, Delta D3, Enfamil D-Vi-Sol, ... show all 45 brands Replesta, Thera-D Rapid Repletion, Vitamin D3, Vitamin D3, D 1000 IU, D3-5, D3-50, D400, Maximum D3, D2000, Liquid Vitamin D-3, Thera-D 2000, Thera-D 4000, D-Vita Drops, Replesta NX, Replesta Children's, D3, Thera-D Sport, D3 1000, Celebrate Vitamin D3 Quick-Melt, Aqueous Vitamin D, UpSpringbaby D, Super-Strength D-5000, Super Daily D3, Optimal-D3, Optimal-D3 Pack, Optimal D3 M Pack, Optimal D3 M, Prevagen, VitaJoy Gummies Daily D, Kid's Super Daily D3, Prevagen Extra Strength, High Potency Vitamin D3, Zarbee's Baby Vitamin D, Happy Sunshine Vitamin D3, D3 Liquid, Vitamin D3 Gummies, Vitamin D3 Bone and Joint Health, Vitafusion Vitamin D3 Gummies, Vitafusion Vitamin D3 Extra Strength Gummies
Dosage forms: oral capsule (10 mcg; 125 mcg; 1250 mcg; 25 mcg; 250 mcg; 325 mcg; 350 mcg; 50 mcg; 625 mcg), ... show all 12 dosage forms oral liquid (10 mcg/0.25 mL (400 intl units/0.25 mL), 10 mcg/drop, 10 mcg/mL, 125 mcg/0.5 mL, 125 mcg/mL, 25 mcg/10 mL), oral solution (25 mcg/drop; 250 mcg/mL), oral tablet (-; 10 mcg; 100 mcg; 125 mcg; 25 mcg; 50 mcg), oral tablet, chewable (25 mcg; 50 mcg), oral tablet, disintegrating (125 mcg), oral wafer (1250 mcg; 350 mcg)
Drug class: Vitamins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 17, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is 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.

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).

Before taking this medicine

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 take cholecalciferol?

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.

Cholecalciferol dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation:

US Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D:
18 to 70 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) daily
Tolerable 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) daily
Tolerable 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) daily
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): 25 mcg (1000 international units)

7 to 12 months: 10 mcg (400 international units) daily
UL: 38 mcg (1500 international units)

1 to 3 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) daily
UL: 63 mcg (2500 international units)

4 to 8 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) daily
UL: 75 mcg (3000 international units)

9 to 18 years: 15 mcg (600 international units) daily
UL: 100 mcg (4000 international units)

Related/similar drugs

ergocalciferol, Vitamin D3, Drisdol, D3, Replesta, D3-50, Carlson D, Delta D3

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, thirst, urinating more or less than usual, body aches, stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking cholecalciferol?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking cholecalciferol.

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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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