About Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) 60000 IU Capsule
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) 60000 IU Capsule contains Cholecalciferol 60000 IU. Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency. High-strength forms are usually taken once a week or once a month, not every day, so follow your doctor's schedule carefully.
Uses of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) 60000 IU Capsule
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Preventing vitamin D deficiency in people at risk
- Supporting bone health, along with calcium, in conditions such as osteoporosis
Benefits
In vitamin D deficiency
It raises vitamin D levels, which helps the body absorb calcium. This supports strong bones and healthy muscles, and can ease aches and weakness caused by low vitamin D.
Side effects
Side effects are rare when it is taken as prescribed. Problems usually come from taking too much or too often.
Common
- Usually none at prescribed doses
- Mild stomach upset
Get medical help if you notice
- Signs of too much calcium (from too much vitamin D): nausea, vomiting, constipation, great thirst, passing a lot of urine, confusion or weakness — stop taking it and contact your doctor
- Pain in the side or back with blood in the urine (possible kidney stones) — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed — high-strength capsules and sachets are often taken once a week or once a month. Take it with a meal that contains some fat to help absorption. Swallow capsules whole. Mix sachet contents with water or milk and drink straight away.
How it works
The body converts vitamin D3 into its active form in the liver and kidneys. The active form helps the gut absorb calcium and phosphate, which are needed for strong bones.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Vitamin D is important in pregnancy, but high-strength doses should only be taken as your doctor advises.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Vitamin D passes into breast milk. Take high-strength doses only as your doctor advises.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or kidney stones; a different form of vitamin D or closer monitoring may be needed.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a weekly or monthly dose, take it when you remember and then continue your normal schedule. Do not take two doses together. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Quick tips
- High-strength vitamin D is not a daily medicine — take it only as often as prescribed.
- Take it with a meal for better absorption.
- Mark your dose days on a calendar or set a reminder.
- Getting some safe sunlight and eating foods with vitamin D can also help.
- Do not take extra vitamin D supplements without asking your doctor.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Secosteroid
- Therapeutic class
- Vitamins and minerals
- Action class
- Vitamin D3 supplement
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Thiazide water tablets (such as hydrochlorothiazide) | Can raise calcium levels too much |
| Digoxin | High calcium can increase the risk of heart rhythm problems |
| Phenytoin, phenobarbital and steroid medicines | Can reduce the effect of vitamin D |
| Orlistat and cholestyramine | Can reduce how much vitamin D is absorbed |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Cholecalciferol prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: colecalciferol). Pharmacist review pending.