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Medicines/Generics/Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview
Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is also essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. The function of the immune system is to prevent or limit infection. 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.
Indications
Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is also essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. The function of the immune system is to prevent or limit infection. 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.
Contraindications
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.
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).
High Risk Groups
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).
Adult Dosage
Scraped Dose — 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.
Child Dosage
No child dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Neonatal Dosage
No neonatal dosage information is recorded for this medicine yet.
Drug Interactions
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.
Storage
No storage information is recorded for this medicine yet.