Medication guide
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
- Generic name
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
- Common brand names
- Nature Made Vitamin D3, Carlson Labs D3
- Medication class
- Vitamin (fat-soluble)
Overview
Its medication class is Vitamin (fat-soluble). Common uses include Vitamin D supplementation and support. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral tablet/capsule/lozenge/systemic.
- Time of day
- Usually once daily with a main meal for better tolerance/absorption.
- With food/water
- Take with full water (120–240 mL), often with food if GI upset occurs.
- Preparation
- Swallow intact; keep consistent with meals and separate from interacting minerals when relevant.
- Safe dose
- Follow label age and indication-specific dose.
- Max dose
- Do not stack with other products containing the same active.
- Frequency
- As labeled, typically once daily or as-needed short courses.
- Other recommendations
- Check interactions with prescription medicines; monitor bowel or sleep changes.
Common uses
- Vitamin D supplementation and support
Common side effects
- Constipation
- nausea
- increased thirst
- weakness
- headache
- and signs of high calcium (fatigue, confusion)
Important warnings
- Hypervitaminosis D risk with high doses or multiple supplements. Monitor for nausea, weakness, polydipsia, bone pain, and confusion. Avoid excess with calcium supplements or thiazide diuretics. Seek care for persistent headaches or signs of dehydration with high-dose intake.
General interactions information
Can interact with calcium supplements and thiazide diuretics (calcium elevation risk)
Sources / references
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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