cholecalciferol

Generic Name: cholecalciferol
Other Brand Names: Delta D3

What is cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Cholecalciferol is used as a dietary supplement to treat and/or prevent low levels of vitamin D in the body.

Cholecalciferol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

You cannot take cholecalciferol if you have high levels of vitamin D or calcium in your body.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

  • kidney disease,

  • kidney stones,

  • heart disease, or

  • circulation problems.

You may not be able to take cholecalciferol, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you take any of the medications listed above.

Vitamin D is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether doses of cholecalciferol larger than the recommended daily allowance will harm an unborn baby. Do not take supplemental cholecalciferol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Vitamin D passes into breast milk. Do not take cholecalciferol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

Take cholecalciferol exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

Follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding diet and calcium supplementation while taking cholecalciferol.

Store cholecalciferol at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Where can I get more information about cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?
Your pharmacist has information about cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking cholecalciferol and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

  • an irregular heartbeat;

  • nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

  • dry mouth;

  • constipation;

  • weakness;

  • headache;

  • a metallic taste;

  • muscle or bone pain; or

  • drowsiness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, a metallic taste in your mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, decreased appetite, or muscle or bone pain.

What should I avoid while taking cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

Follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding diet and calcium supplementation while taking cholecalciferol.

Do not use mineral oil for any prolonged period while taking cholecalciferol. Prolonged use of mineral oil decreases the absorption of vitamin D.

If you are on chronic renal dialysis, do not take magnesium supplements or antacids that contain magnesium, except under the supervision of your doctor.

What other drugs will affect cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

  • antacids that contain magnesium;

  • cholestyramine (Questran); or

  • mineral oil.

You may not be able to take cholecalciferol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with cholecalciferol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.

What happens if I have an overdose of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a cholecalciferol overdose include irregular heartbeats, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation, weakness, headache, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

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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. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008