Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Shasthya স্বাস্থ্য · Health, made simple
বাং
Community data Updated 23 hours ago

Cholecalciferol [Vitamin D3]

Vitamin in bone formation Prescription
Check interactions
🌐 বাংলায় দেখুন

Indications

Osteoporosis

Vitamin D3 deficiency can happen in people who get little sunlight and in those whose diet doesn't have enough vitamin D3. Cholecalciferol [Vitamin D3] is needed for the body to absorb calcium and phosphate properly, and these are required for healthy bones and teeth. In this way it helps prevent rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis. It is also needed to prevent pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and breast feeding, and it is an essential nutrient for a growing infant. Cholecalciferol also plays an important part in boosting immunity.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) works through its active form, Calcitriol, which binds to Vitamin D receptors (VDRs). These receptors are found in many tissues across the body. Because Vitamin D3 is fat soluble, its half life is about 50 days.

It is absorbed in the small intestine, where it binds to specific a-globulins and is carried to the liver. There it is metabolised to 25-hydroxy Vitamin D3 (Calcidiol). A second hydroxylation takes place in the kidney and produces 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 (Calcitriol). This metabolite is what lets the vitamin increase the absorption of calcium.

Vitamin D3 that hasn't been metabolised is stored in tissues such as fat and muscle. The body removes it through faeces and urine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Studies have shown that doses of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) up to 4000 IU are safe to use during pregnancy. The recommended daily intake for pregnant women is 400 IU, but women who are considered Vitamin D3 deficient may need a higher dose. Pregnant women should follow their doctor's advice, because their requirements may vary with the severity of their disease and how they respond to treatment.

Vitamin D3 and its metabolites pass into breast milk. Overdose in infants caused by nursing mothers has not been observed. Still, when a doctor prescribes additional vitamin D3 for a breast-fed child, the dose of any additional vitamin D3 given to the mother should be taken into account.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is given in different doses depending on the form. Capsule, adults: to treat Vitamin D3 deficiency, the dose is 40000 IU once weekly for 7 weeks. Maintenance therapy is 1400 to 2000 IU/day. To confirm the target level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, it should be measured 3 to 4 months after maintenance therapy starts. To prevent Vitamin D3 deficiency, the dose is 20000 IU every 4 weeks, though higher doses may be required in certain situations. When it is added to specific therapy for osteoporosis, the dose is 20000 IU once a month. Capsule, children (12 to 18 years): for treating Vitamin D3 deficiency, give 20000 IU once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. For prevention, give 20000 IU every 6 weeks. Film-coated tablet: 1000 IU (1 to 2 tablets) daily, or as directed by the physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal. Oroflash or chewable tablets: 1000 IU to 2000 IU daily, or as directed by the physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal. Place the tablet in the mouth and swallow after chewing. Oral solution: up to one year, 400 IU once a day or as directed by the physician. From 1 year to 18 years, 600 IU once a day or as directed by the physician. Injection, for treatment: Rickets: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for one month, then 1 ampoule every 4 months. Osteoporosis: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for 3 months. Osteomalacia: 1 ampoule every 2 weeks for 3 months. Tetany caused by hypocalcaemia: 1 ampoule every 4 months, which may be increased to 2 ampoules. Menopause: 1 ampoule every 6 months. Vitamin 03 deficiency: 1 ampoule, which can be repeated 1 to 6 months later. Injection, for prevention: Pregnancy: 1/2 ampoule at the 6th or 7th month. During breastfeeding: 1/2 ampoule every 6 months. Children up to 5 years: 1 ampoule every 6 months. Adolescent: 1 ampoule every 6 months. Elderly Dosages: 1/2 ampoule every 3 months. Directions for using the injection by mouth: in Step-1, place the thumb on the ampoule and break the upper narrow part. Pour the solution out into a spoon as Step-2. Then, in Step-3, mix the solution with water or milk before taking it. Directions for IM use: Step-1 is to place the thumb on the ampoule and break the upper narrow part. After that, as Step-2, use it as an IM injection.

Side Effects & Interactions

Side Effects

No side-effect data recorded yet.