Product Description

Introduction

Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is a vitamin supplement used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency and related bone disorders. It is indicated in conditions such as osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, rickets, osteomalacia, pseudohypoparathyroidism, and familial hypophosphatemia.

Administration

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Adult Dose

For nutritional deficiency: 200–400 IU (5–10 mcg or 1–2 ml) daily, orally or by intramuscular injection.

For osteoporosis prevention and treatment (above 50 years): 800–1000 IU (20–25 mcg) once daily along with calcium supplements; may also be given by intramuscular injection.

For hypoparathyroidism: 50,000–200,000 IU (0.625–5 mg) once daily with calcium supplements; may also be given by intramuscular injection.

Child Dose

For nutritional supplementation:

0–12 months: 400 IU (10 mcg) once daily

1–18 years: 600 IU (15 mcg) once daily

For vitamin D–resistant rickets: 12,000–500,000 IU (0.3–12.5 mg) once daily.

For familial hypophosphatemia: 40,000–80,000 IU (1–2 mg) once daily with phosphate supplements; dose may be reduced after growth is complete.

Contraindications

Colecalciferol should not be used in patients with hypercalcemia, vitamin D toxicity, or known hypersensitivity to vitamin D or any of its components.

Mode of Action

Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for maintaining calcium and phosphate balance in the body and supporting proper bone mineralization. It enhances calcium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and promotes bone formation.

Precautions

Caution is advised in patients with high calcium or phosphate levels, heart disease, or kidney disorders. Adequate calcium and magnesium intake is required during treatment. If calcium levels are low, the body increases parathyroid hormone production, which affects bone calcium release. Vitamin D passes into breast milk and should be used carefully during lactation.

Side Effects

Vitamin D supplements are generally well tolerated. However, excessive use may lead to hypercalcemia or calcium toxicity. Possible symptoms include loss of appetite, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Interactions

Risk of hypercalcemia increases when used with thiazide diuretics, calcium, or phosphate supplements. Antiepileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, and primidone may increase vitamin D requirements. Rifampicin and isoniazid may reduce its effectiveness. Corticosteroids may reduce its action. Drugs like cholestyramine, colestipol, mineral oil, and orlistat may reduce absorption. Caution is required when used with digoxin or ketoconazole.