Vitamin D3: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Vitamin D3 What Medicine?

What is vitamin D3 for?

Cholecalciferol, or vitamin D3, is one of the 5 forms of the fat-soluble vitamin. This vitamin can help your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus intake are important for building and maintaining strong bones.

One of the uses of Vitamin D3 is to treat and prevent bone disorders (such as rickets and osteomalacia). Vitamin D is made by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Sunscreen, protective clothing, limited sun exposure, dark skin, and age can prevent vitamin D from building up from the sun.

Vitamin D3 with calcium is used to treat or prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). Vitamin D3 is also used with other drugs to treat low levels of calcium or phosphate caused by certain disorders (such as hypoparathyroidism, pseudohipoparathyroidism, hypophosphatemia group).

This drug can also be used in kidney disease to maintain normal calcium levels and allow normal bone growth. Vitamin D3 drops (or other supplements) are given to babies who are being breastfed because breast milk usually has low vitamin D levels.

How do I use vitamin D3?

Some things that you should pay attention to before taking vitamin D3 are:

• Take vitamin D as directed by your doctor.
• Vitamin D is well absorbed when used after a meal but can be used with or without food.
• Your dose is based on your medical condition, amount of sun exposure, diet, age, and response to treatment.
• Measure out liquid medicine with the dropper provided, or use a spoon / measuring device - to make sure you have the correct dose
• If you are taking chewable tablets or wafers, chew the medicine thoroughly before swallowing it. Do not swallow the drug whole.
• Certain medications (bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine / colestipol, mineral oil, orlistat) can decrease vitamin D absorption. Keep this drug as long as possible from vitamin D use (at least 2 hours apart, longer if possible).
• It is easiest to take vitamin D at bedtime if you are also taking other medications.
• To help you remember, use it at the same time every day if you use it once a day. If you are taking this medication only once a week, remember to use it on the same day each week. Mark your calendar so that you remember.
• If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet (such as a diet high in calcium), it is important to follow that diet in order to benefit from this medicine and to prevent serious side effects.
• Do not use any other supplements / vitamins unless instructed by your doctor.
• If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek medical help right away.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is vitamin D3 stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Vitamin D3 dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of vitamin D3 for adults?

Usual adult dose for (insufficient) vitamin D insufficiency

• 600-2000 IU orally once a day
• The maximum dose is not more than 4000 IU per day

Usual adult dose for (insufficient) Vitamin D deficiency

• 5000 IU once a week, for 8 weeksor6000 IU, once a week, for 8 weeks
• The maximum dose is not more than 10000 IU per day.

What is the dose of vitamin D3 for children?

Usual children's dose for (insufficient) vitamin D insufficiency

• 0-12 months: 400 IU once a day
• 1- 18 years: 600 IU once a day

Usual children's dosage for (insufficient) Vitamin D deficiency

• Up to 1 year of age: 2000 IU, orally, once daily, for 6 weeks or50000 IU, orally, once a week, for 6 weeks
• Ages 1 - 18 years: 2000 IU, orally, once daily, for 6 weeks,or50000 IU, orally, once a week, for 6 weeks

Note: Target blood level of 25 (OH) D is above 30 ng / mL

In what dosage is vitamin D3 available?

The availability of vitamin D3 forms are:

• Solution
• Wafers
• Tablet
• Chewable tablets
• Capsule
• Liquid filled capsules

Vitamin D3 side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to vitamin D3?

In general, vitamin D is safe when taken orally or given as a muscle injection in the recommended amounts. Most people do not experience serious side effects when taking vitamin D, unless this vitamin is taken outside of the recommended limits by a doctor.

Some of the side effects of consuming too much vitamin D3 are:

• Feeling tired, weak and lethargic
• Sleepy
• Headache
• Decreased appetite
• Mouth dry or feels like metal
• Nausea or vomiting

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Vitamin D3 Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using vitamin D3?

Some things you should know before taking vitamin D3 are:

• Do not use vitamins if you have a high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
• Do not use vitamins if you have high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D)
• Do not use vitamins if your body has difficulty absorbing nutrients from food (malabsorption)

Is vitamin D3 safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Vitamin D3 Drug Interactions

What medicines might interact with vitamin d3?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

Can food or alcohol interact with vitamin d3?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with vitamin D3?

Some of the health conditions that may interact with vitamin D3 use are:

• Heart disease
• Kidney illness
• Electrolyte imbalance in the body

There may be several health conditions not listed above. Therefore, always consult a doctor and tell information about medical history, allergies, or certain drugs before you take vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.