Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Dosage Forms Available

• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) can be taken orally (tablet, capsule, syrup and liquid drops) and intramuscularly (injection).

Age And Dose Restrictions  

• It can be used by adults and children according to their age and medical condition.

Contraindications 

• It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). 

Medications To Avoid With This Drug 

• Avoid taking anti-epileptics, anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone), other vitamin D-containing medications, antiarrhythmics (digoxin and digitoxin), diuretics (bendroflumethiazide), calcium supplements, antitubercular medications (rifampicin, isoniazid), high cholesterol medications (orlistat and cholestyramine), antifungals (ketoconazole and itraconazole) and glucocorticosteroids. These medications may alter the safety and effectiveness of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).

Overdose And Missed Dose

• Overdose can cause Vitamin D toxicity, the symptoms of which include hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, excessive urination, extreme thirst, weakness, and lethargy. Restriction on calcium and Vitamin D supplements may be required in that case. Therefore, strict adherence to the prescribed dose and duration is essential. 
• If you miss a dose of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), take it as soon as you remember. But, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing regime.

Management Of Side Effects

• Take it with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and continue taking it for the prescribed duration. If side effects worsen or persist, consult your doctor for a possible treatment plan adjustment.

Use In Driving And Operating Machinery

• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is unlikely to impair the mental alertness or coordination required while driving.

Use In Pregnancy And Lactation

• Consult your doctor about the dose during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Caution In Other Conditions

• Caution is advised in patients with heart disease, sarcoidosis (a multisystem chronic inflammatory condition which can affect your lungs, heart and kidneys), kidney impairment and in patients with a high tendency to kidney stone formation.

Special Dietary And Lifestyle Recommendation

• Maintain regular, moderate exposure to sunlight to support natural vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Aim for approximately 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week.
• Include foods rich in vitamin D in your diet, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, egg yolks, and mushrooms. This complements Vitamin D3 supplementation and helps achieve adequate overall intake.
• Ensure a diet rich in calcium from sources like dairy products, leafy greens, fortified plant-based milk, and nuts. Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption, and sufficient dietary calcium is crucial for optimal bone health.