About cholecalciferol
Fat-soluble vitamin
Used for
- Treats or prevents vitamin D deficiency
- Supports calcium absorption and bone health
Usual adult dose
For deficiency, commonly 50,000 IU once weekly for 6–8 weeks, then a maintenance dose.
Usual dose in children
For deficiency, doses depend on age and blood levels; specialist guidance is needed.
Common side effects
- High calcium levels
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Kidney stones with excessive long-term use
Important warnings
- Excessive doses can cause vitamin D toxicity and high blood calcium.
- Use caution with kidney disease, kidney stones, or disorders causing high calcium.
- Treatment doses may require monitoring of blood calcium and vitamin D levels.
Pregnancy
Use only when needed; deficiency treatment should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible at usual doses; high-dose treatment should be medically supervised.
Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics may increase blood calcium.
- Digoxin: high blood calcium may increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Orlistat and some bile-acid binders can reduce vitamin D absorption.
- Some seizure medicines and rifampicin can reduce vitamin D levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.