Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) is an over-the-counter and prescription medication used to treat and prevent bone disorders like rickets and osteomalacia. The body produces Vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited exposure to sunlight may cause vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D also treats and prevents osteoporosis (bone loss). The drug may also be used when treating kidney disease to keep calcium levels normal and allow normal bone growth. Vitamin D drops are also given to breastfed infants to supplement Vitamin D from breast milk. The active ingredient in Vitamin D is Cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol belongs to a class of drugs called Vitamin D analogs. It works by helping the body use more of the calcium found in foods or supplements.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Vitamin D from Canada manufactured by Jamieson in the strength of 400IU/11.7ml drops for baby and 400IU and 1000IU tablets. The 2000IU softgel capsules are also available from Canada manufactured by Orimed Pharma and the 50000IU capsules come from Canada by Sandoz. The generic Cholecalciferol is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Vitamin D. The most common side effects of Vitamin D may include the following:
• Appetite loss
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Chest pain;
• Growth problems in children;
• Shortness of breath
These are not all of the side effects of Vitamin D. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Vitamin D if you are allergic to Cholecalciferol or any ingredient in Vitamin D. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have an electrolyte imbalance;
• Have heart disease;
• Have hypercalcemia;
• Have hypervitaminosis D;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have malabsorption
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Vitamin D and other medicines like phenytoin, prednisone, cholestyramine, orlistat, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Vitamin D will harm an unborn baby. Too much Vitamin D in pregnancy may harm a fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Cholecalciferol passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant. Use Vitamin D precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Taking Cholecalciferol after a meal may be best, but you may take it with or without food. Swallow the vitamin D tablet whole with water. Measure the liquid medicine with the dosage syringe provided or use a medicine dose-measuring device. Do not use a kitchen spoon. You will need frequent blood tests while using Cholecalciferol. Vitamin D may only be part of a comprehensive treatment program, including dietary changes and calcium and vitamin supplements. Store this drug at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
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Is Your Dairy-free Diet Giving You a Vitamin D Deficiency
How can I raise my Vitamin D level quickly?
• Go outdoors and get some sunshine;
• Eat Vitamin-D-rich foods;
• Take Vitamin D supplements;
• Get a Vitamin D shot