calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol at a glance
Medicine class
Oral calcium supplement combined with colecalciferol, a form of vitamin D3.
Main roles
Combined calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and supplementation alongside specific osteoporosis treatment.
Available forms
Chewable, film-coated and effervescent tablets, plus granules dissolved in water. Instructions differ by formulation.
What is calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol used for?
Licensed indications vary by product. Selected products cover:
Prevention, treatment or correction of combined calcium and vitamin D deficiency, particularly in older, housebound or institutionalised people.
Supplementation alongside specific osteoporosis treatment when combined deficiency is present or likely.
Selected Adcal-D3 formulations additionally cover therapeutic supplementation in malnutrition, including during pregnancy, and established vitamin D-dependent osteomalacia.
How does calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol work?
Calcium carbonate supplies calcium. Colecalciferol is converted by the liver and kidneys into active vitamin D metabolites, increasing calcium absorption from the gut and helping maintain calcium and phosphate balance.
How to take calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol
Follow the instructions for the exact product supplied because formulations differ.
Chew chewable tablets unless the leaflet states otherwise.
Swallow caplets and film-coated tablets with water. Some scored tablets may be broken only to ease swallowing.
Fully dissolve effervescent tablets in water and drink promptly.
Add sachet granules to plenty of water and drink immediately.
Check the leaflet for food instructions; foods rich in oxalate, phytate or phosphate can reduce calcium absorption.
calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation, wind, nausea, abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea can occur.
- Rash, itching or hives have been reported.
Get urgent medical advice
- Wheezing, facial or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing may indicate a severe allergic reaction.
- Marked thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, weakness, confusion or abnormal heart rhythm may indicate hypercalcaemia.
- Severe side or back pain, sometimes with urinary symptoms, may indicate a kidney stone.
calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol in pregnancy
Calcium and colecalciferol may be used during pregnancy when clinically indicated, but suitability is product-specific. Diet, prenatal vitamins and other supplements should be reviewed to avoid prolonged excess vitamin D and hypercalcaemia.
calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol while breastfeeding
Colecalciferol and calcium can generally be used while breastfeeding. Vitamin D passes into breast milk, so maternal and infant supplements should be reviewed together; higher maternal treatment exposures may require infant monitoring.
calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol interactions
Calcium can bind other medicines in the gut. Vitamin D and medicines affecting calcium balance can increase toxicity. Ask a pharmacist about product-specific separation instructions.
Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides
Hypercalcaemia can increase toxicity and the risk of abnormal heart rhythms; calcium and ECG monitoring may be required.
Thiazide diuretics
Reduced urinary calcium loss can increase hypercalcaemia risk.
Common questions about calcium carbonate + colecalciferol; cholecalciferol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why are blood tests needed?
Tests can identify excessive calcium and declining kidney function, especially during prolonged treatment or when risk factors and interacting medicines are present.
What are signs of too much calcium?
Possible signs include thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, confusion and abnormal heart rhythm. Seek prompt clinical advice if these occur.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.