Colecalciferol at a glance
Medicine class
Vitamin D3.
Main uses
Preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency, and supporting specific osteoporosis treatment.
Administration
Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with water. The soft capsule is preferably taken with the main meal.
What is Colecalciferol used for?
The selected Colextra-D3 products are licensed for:
Preventing or treating vitamin D deficiency in adults and adolescents with an identified risk.
Use alongside specific osteoporosis therapy when vitamin D deficiency is present or insufficiency is likely.
How does Colecalciferol work?
The liver and kidneys convert colecalciferol into active vitamin D. This increases calcium and phosphate absorption and retention, reduces parathyroid hormone secretion and supports bone mineralisation.
Colecalciferol preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 800 units, 20000 units
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 25000 units
How to take Colecalciferol
Follow the product label and prescriber’s instructions because formulations are not interchangeable without checking.
Swallow the selected soft capsule whole with water, preferably with the main meal.
Swallow the selected tablet whole with water; do not chew it.
Check other medicines and supplements for vitamin D or calcium to avoid duplication.
Colecalciferol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- High blood or urine calcium, which may cause vomiting, confusion, thirst, frequent urination, weakness or an irregular heartbeat
- Possible kidney stone symptoms, such as sharp side or lower-back pain
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing
- Rash, itching or hives
Colecalciferol in pregnancy
Colecalciferol can be used during pregnancy. Someone with confirmed deficiency or requiring a high-strength product should follow their doctor’s or midwife’s advice; blood tests may be arranged and vitamin D in pregnancy supplements should be considered.
Colecalciferol while breastfeeding
Colecalciferol is compatible with breastfeeding and passes into milk in variable amounts. Higher-strength treatment may require infant monitoring for feeding changes, lethargy, gastrointestinal symptoms or signs of high calcium. Maternal treatment does not automatically replace vitamin D recommended for the infant.
Colecalciferol interactions
Check all medicines and supplements before treatment, especially products affecting calcium or vitamin D.
Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides
High calcium can increase their effects and the risk of abnormal heart rhythms; clinical, calcium and sometimes ECG monitoring may be needed.
Thiazide-type diuretics, including bendroflumethiazide or indapamide
They can reduce urinary calcium loss and increase the risk of hypercalcaemia.
Enzyme-inducing antiseizure medicines
Medicines including phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital and primidone can increase vitamin D metabolism and reduce its effect.
Common questions about Colecalciferol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is colecalciferol vitamin D3?
Yes. Colecalciferol is the pharmaceutical name for vitamin D3.
Is colecalciferol the same as calcitriol?
No. The body converts colecalciferol into calcitriol, the active hormonal form of vitamin D.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.