What is the most important information I should know about cholecalciferol?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to
vitamin D, or
if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood, or if you have any condition that
makes it hard for your body to absorb
nutrients from food (
malabsorption).
Before taking cholecalciferol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have heart disease, kidney disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side
effects.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea,
vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin,
changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling
unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
What is cholecalciferol?
Cholecalciferol is a 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 to treat or prevent many conditions caused by a lack of vitamin D,
especially conditions of the skin or bones.
Cholecalciferol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cholecalciferol?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or
if you have:
-
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
-
high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);
or
-
any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb
nutrients from food (malabsorption).
Before taking cholecalciferol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
Your cholecalciferol dose needs may change if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment, or if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take cholecalciferol?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do
not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Cholecalciferol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a
special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or
nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or
avoid to help control your condition.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Print
Email
Drug Info Tools
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
