Cholecalciferol - Pop the Pill for Healthy Bones and Joints

Creator: Dr. Anju Virinder Mohan
Published: 2022-12-21T17:49:09

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Cholecalciferol is used to treat vitamin D deficiency. Learn about its uses, dosage, drug warnings, side effects, precautions, and drug interactions.

Written by

Dr. Anju Virinder Mohan

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

December 21, 2022

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Contents

What Is Cholecalciferol Used For?
How Does Cholecalciferol Work?
What Is the Onset of Action of Cholecalciferol?
What Is the Dosage of Cholecalciferol?
How to Use Cholecalciferol?
What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?
What Are the Side Effects of Cholecalciferol?
What Are the Interactions of Cholecalciferol?
What Are the Common Brands or Trade Names of Cholecalciferol?

Overview:

Cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3, is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that helps raise vitamin D levels in the body. The supplement is usually prescribed to older adults, breastfed infants, obese people, and those with limited sun exposure. It is used to treat vitamin D3 deficiency and to maintain bone strength. Cholecalciferol is a secosteroid generated in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light or obtained from dietary sources.

Drug Group:

Cholecalciferol belongs to the class of vitamin D analogs. The fat-soluble vitamin helps maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in the physiologic range to sustain various metabolic functions, transcription regulation, and bone metabolism. Cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 is available as a capsule, gel capsule, chewable gel tablet, and liquid drops to be taken by mouth. It is available over the counter but may be prescribed by the doctor to treat certain conditions.

What Is Cholecalciferol Used For?

Cholecalciferol is a dietary supplement that helps treat and prevent vitamin D and calcium deficiency. Vitamin D3 also acts as an adjuvant for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and bone disorders. Cholecalciferol is prescribed with calcium to treat various medical conditions like refractory rickets, hypoparathyroidism, and familial hypophosphatemia. The body uses Cholecalciferol to keep our bones, muscles, and nerves healthy and to support the immune system.

How Does Cholecalciferol Work?

Calcitriol, an active form of Cholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxy-Cholecalciferol, plays a vital role in maintaining blood calcium and phosphorus levels and the mineralization of bone. The activated form of Cholecalciferol binds to vitamin D receptors and modulates gene expression. The serum calcium and phosphorous levels increase due to increased intestinal absorption of phosphorus and calcium. This promotes the distal renal tubule reabsorption of calcium.

What Is the Onset of Action of Cholecalciferol?

Following the administration of Cholecalciferol, there exists a period of 10 to 24 hours for initiating its action in the body. Cholecalciferol gets absorbed very quickly from the small intestine. The administered Cholecalciferol and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the bile and feces and very little through the urine.

Habit-Forming:

There have been no reports of habit-forming tendencies in people taking Cholecalciferol.

Expiry Date:

Avoid taking this Cholecalciferol after it expires. Check for the expiry on the back of the medicine pack.

What Is the Dosage of Cholecalciferol?

How to Use Cholecalciferol?

Cholecalciferol supplements are available alone and with other vitamins or medications. Cholecalciferol may be taken with or without food; however, it is best to take it after a meal. It is best to take it around the same time each day. Cholecalciferol liquid drops may be given directly into the mouth or added to the food or drink of the child. Using a syringe or dropper to measure the liquid medicines is advised. The chewable tablet must be chewed or crushed before swallowing. It is recommended to store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

Missed Dose:

In case of a missed dose, take it soon after you remember. However, do not take two tablets together as it may cause adverse reactions. Always space the doses at least eight hours apart.

What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - The use of Cholecalciferol is not usually recommended in pregnancy unless there is a deficiency. Cholecalciferol should not be taken more than 100 micrograms, as it may cause adverse effects. Also, too much vitamin D may harm the unborn baby and should be taken only on medical advice.
Allergies - It is advised not to take Cholecalciferol if you have had allergic reactions to the drug or any other of its ingredients.
Diabetes - Chewable tablets, liquids, or dissolving tablets may contain sugar or aspartame and should be given with caution to people with diabetes.
Hypercalcemia - Cholecalciferol should be avoided in people with high levels of calcium in their blood or hypercalcemia as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Kidney Disease - Cholecalciferol should be given with caution in patients undergoing dialysis or kidney stones, as it may cause ectopic calcium deposition.

What Are the Side Effects of Cholecalciferol?

Some of the side effects of Cholecalciferol may include

Constipation.
Increased blood calcium levels.
Vomiting.
Nausea.
Chest pain.
Feeling short of breath.
Increased calcium levels in urine.
Vitamin D overdose may cause signs including.
Weakness.
Metallic taste in your mouth.
Weight loss.
Muscle or bone pain.
Constipation.
Nausea and vomiting.

What Are the Interactions of Cholecalciferol?

Certain drugs, vitamins, and herbal products may affect the effectiveness of Cholecalciferol.

Interaction with Other Medicines:

Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Atorvastatin.
Aspirin.
Amlodipine.
Fish oil.
Folic acid.
Gabapentin.
Lisinopril.
Losartan.
Melatonin.
Metformin.
Levothyroxine.
Vitamin B12.
Magnesium oxide.
Trazodone.
Omeprazole.

Interaction with Food:

Vitamin D is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin and is best absorbed in the bloodstream when paired with high-fat foods. Hence, taking Cholecalciferol supplements with meals is recommended to enhance its absorption.

Alcohol - Drinking alcohol can affect calcium absorption, and it is advised to limit alcohol intake while using Cholecalciferol.
Caffeinated Foods - Keep a gap of at least one hour before taking caffeine-containing food and beverages.

Interaction with Diseases:

Arrhythmias - Cholecalciferol therapy should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to cardiac arrhythmias as the increased serum calcium concentration may exacerbate arrhythmias. These patients should be clinically monitored for serum electrolyte concentration and cardiac function.
Electrolyte Imbalance - Cholecalciferol can precipitate calcium-phosphate deposits within the vascular or renal systems when administered in the presence of hyperphosphatemia. Correcting the serum electrolyte concentrations before and after vitamin D therapy is important.
Hypercalcemia - Vitamin D3, such as Calciferol and Ergocalciferol, should not be given to patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, or vitamin D toxicity.
Renal Dysfunction - Renal impairment can alter certain vitamin D analogs' metabolic and therapeutic activity and may be advised for alternatives such as Calcitriol.
Hepatobiliary Dysfunction - Hepatic or biliary dysfunction can decrease the absorption of vitamin D analogs, as these are primarily excreted in bile and feces.

What Are the Common Brands or Trade Names of Cholecalciferol?

Capsule Calcites- D3.
Dailyshine chewable tablets.
Softgel capsule D-Vita.
D-Wik oral drops.
Softgel capsule Max D3.
Oral suspension Macbrite D3.
Oral powder Calcites.
Injection Arachitol- 6 lac units.
Syrup Wal-D3.
Capsule Solbio-D.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Conditions Are Managed Using Cholecalciferol?

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) belongs to a drug class called vitamin D analogs. The human body needs cholecalciferol for strong bones, muscles, and nerves and to maintain the immune system. It functions by facilitating an increased use of calcium from dietary sources or supplements. In healthy individuals and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the medication cholecalciferol controls and treats osteoporosis and Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency.

2. Are Cholecalciferol and Vitamin D the Same?

The two primary forms of vitamin D found in foods and dietary supplements are D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol), which only differ chemically in their side-chain configurations. While vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced in humans' skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol and is also taken in the diet through the consumption of animal-based foods, vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is mostly human-made and added to food.

3. Can Cholecalciferol Be Taken Daily?

Most specialists advise against taking more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily. A brief course of once-weekly 50,000 IU of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 may be advised when your blood D3 level is extremely low (less than 12 nanograms per milliliter), followed by a typical dose of 600 to 800 IU daily. Generally, consuming more than 4,000 IU (100 mcg) of safe consumption is not advised each day. A loading dosage is often taken daily or once a week for severe vitamin D insufficiency in adults for six to ten weeks.

4. What Are the Side Effects of Cholecalciferol?

Cholecalciferol side effects include coughing, swallowing issues, a rapid heartbeat, hives or itching, skin rashes, chest discomfort, feeling out of breath, and development issues (in children taking cholecalciferol). Additionally, weakness, a metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone discomfort, constipation, nausea, and vomiting are early symptoms of a vitamin D overdose.

5. Is Cholecalciferol Beneficial for Skin Health?

The vitamin D compound cholecalciferol, sometimes known as the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for skin health and rejuvenation. Vitamin D supports the development, maintenance, and metabolism of skin cells in their active form, calcitriol. It strengthens the skin's defense mechanisms and aids in eliminating free radicals, which can speed up the aging process.

6. Is It Safe to Take Cholecalciferol?

People should not take cholecalciferol with allergies to vitamin D, excessive calcium levels, or impaired mineral absorption. People who have renal or heart issues are also contraindicated. This vitamin D3 supplement has adverse effects that might be fatal if people take too much of it.

7. Does Cholecalciferol Belong to Steroids?

Vitamin D analogs are a group of drugs that includes cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). The body needs cholecalciferol for strong bones, muscles, and nerves, as well as to support the immune system. It assists the body's increased use of calcium from dietary sources or supplements.

8. When Is the Best Time to Take Cholecalciferol?

It is best to have it with breakfast or as a snack before bed. Vitamin D absorption can be increased by taking it with food, although research on the specific timings is less.

9. What Medical Conditions Can Be Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency?

Loss of bone density caused by a vitamin D deficiency can result in osteoporosis, leading to fractures (broken bones). Other medical conditions can also be caused by severe vitamin D deficiency, which may result in rickets in children. Children with rickets experience delayed bone growth. It results in painful bones, slow bone development, and brittle, weak bones that can lead to bone deformities.

10. Does Vitamin D Deficiency Impact Sleep?

According to studies, vitamin D is involved in regulating sleep. Particularly, vitamin D deficiency can increase the incidence of sleeping problems and is a disorder related to falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up throughout the night in both children and adults. However, administering vitamin D3 lacks evidence of impacting sleep.

11. Does Cholecalciferol Help Kidney Health?

The kidneys convert vitamin D into active metabolites that absorb calcium and phosphorus. Because damaged kidneys have challenges converting vitamin D into its active form, people with chronic kidney disease may have low vitamin D levels. Although cholecalciferol is used to treat vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in both healthy individuals and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), taking too much vitamin D can result in side effects like nausea and constipation, as well as kidney stones and kidney damage, if taken too much.

12. Can Cholecalciferol Be Taken at Night?

One may take vitamin D at any time of the day. However, many individuals prefer to take it in the morning to avoid the potential effects of sleep disruptions, even though no scientific evidence suggests the same. No particular time of day is optimum for taking vitamin D tablets.

13. In Whom Cholecalciferol Is Contraindicated?

Cholecalciferol should not be taken if you people have an allergy to vitamin D, hypervitaminosis D, hypercalcemia, an elevated level of vitamin D in the body, or malabsorption. Sarcoidosis, kidney stones, decreased kidney function, an excessive amount of vitamin D in the body, a high blood phosphate level, and a high blood calcium level are also conditions considered contraindicated with cholecalciferol administration.

14. Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Hair Loss?

Since vitamin D encourages the growth of hair follicles, a lack of it can affect the hair. There may also be a connection between a vitamin D deficit and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes sporadic hair loss. Vitamin D deficiency typically causes reversible hair loss. When vitamin D levels are increased or normal, hair follicles will normally begin to regrow.

15. Can Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Be Taken Together?

Memory loss, dementia, and diminished brain function have been related to low vitamin B12 levels. Vitamin B12 protects your brain from neuronal loss. Along with B12, vitamin D is essential for healthy brain function. Vitamin D receptors are boundless in brain tissue, and their dynamic structure offers neuroprotective impacts. Therefore, vitamin D and vitamin B12 can be taken together and are not contraindicated.

Sources

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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