back
  

Profile
Search

More About Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Short Description
Long Description
How to use
Benefits
Side Effects
How to consume
How it works
Safety Advice
Interactions with Other Drugs
Drug-Disease Interactions
FAQ
References
Fact Box

Quick Summary

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a high-potency nutritional supplement primarily prescribed to treat and prevent severe Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin crucial for the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Taking Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) helps maintain strong bones, supports immune function, and reduces the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis and osteomalacia. This high-dose formulation is typically administered weekly under medical supervision to rapidly restore adequate vitamin D levels.

Detailed Description

Cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3, is a type of vitamin that your body makes when your skin is exposed to sunlight. You can also get it from certain foods or supplements. The 60,000 IU dose in Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is commonly used to treat people with low vitamin D levels, which can happen due to poor diet, not enough sun exposure, or problems absorbing nutrients.

Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium from food, which is important for building and maintaining strong bones. Taking this supplement regularly can help prevent and treat bone problems like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, both conditions that cause soft or weak bones.

Besides supporting bone health, Vitamin D3 also helps your muscles work properly and strengthens your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight infections and reduce inflammation. Doctors may also prescribe it alongside other treatments for conditions such as hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, low parathyroid hormone levels (hypoparathyroidism), and certain rare genetic disorders that affect bone development. To get the best results, always take Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) exactly as your doctor tells you, and try to include calcium-rich foods in your diet to support its effects.

Uses of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), containing Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), is prescribed for the following primary uses:

  • Treats and prevents Vitamin D deficiency.
  • Supports bone health in osteoporosis management.
  • Helps treat osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.
  • Aids in managing low calcium levels in hypoparathyroidism.
  • Supports treatment of familial hypophosphatemia.

Benefits of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Enhances Calcium and Phosphorus Absorption

Cholecalciferol improves the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus from the diet. This is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, and helps prevent skeletal disorders like osteoporosis and rickets.

Promotes Healthy Bone Mineralisation

By supporting proper bone mineralisation, it helps reduce bone pain, weakness, and the risk of stress fractures and fragility fractures, especially in older adults and those with Vitamin D deficiency.

Boosts Immune System Function

Adequate levels of Vitamin D3 are linked to a stronger immune response. It helps the body fight off infections, including respiratory tract illnesses, and may reduce the frequency of common colds and flu.

Supports Muscle Strength and Function

Vitamin D3 plays a role in muscle health by improving muscle strength and reducing cramps and weakness often associated with deficiency, especially in the elderly.

Helps Manage Mood and Mental Well-Being

Some studies suggest that maintaining sufficient Vitamin D levels may contribute to improved mood and mental health, potentially reducing symptoms of depression and fatigue.

Aids in Treating Bone Disorders

Uprise-D3 is used in the management of conditions like osteomalacia and rickets, which result from chronic Vitamin D deficiency and lead to soft or deformed bones.

Useful in Hypoparathyroidism

It helps regulate calcium levels in patients with hypoparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce insufficient hormone, leading to low calcium levels.

Supports Treatment of Familial Hypophosphatemia

The supplement is part of the treatment plan for rare inherited disorders that cause low phosphate levels and affect bone development and strength.

Convenient High-Dose Supplementation

With a potent 60000 IU dose, Uprise-D3 offers a convenient way to rapidly correct Vitamin D deficiency, often requiring fewer doses over a short period.

Safe for Short-Term Corrective Use

When taken as prescribed, Uprise-D3 is generally well-tolerated and effective for short-term correction of Vitamin D levels, with minimal side effects.

Side Effects of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

While generally safe when taken as prescribed, Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) can cause side effects, most of which are mild and temporary. Side effects are often a sign of taking too much Vitamin D or having pre-existing high calcium levels.

Common Side Effects (Do not usually require medical attention):

Nausea and vomiting

Constipation

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Dry mouth or metallic taste

Feeling unusually tired or sluggish

Serious Side Effects (Seek medical attention immediately):

Hypercalcemia (abnormally high calcium levels in the blood)

Increased thirst and frequent urination

Confusion or mental sluggishness

Chest pain or feeling short of breath

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat

Directions for Use

Always take Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This high-dose formulation is typically not for daily use.

Dosage Frequency: The usual dosage is one capsule per week for a period determined by your doctor, based on your Vitamin D levels. Do not take it daily unless specifically instructed.

Administration: Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

With Food: It is best to take Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) with or immediately after a substantial meal, as Vitamin D is fat-soluble and is absorbed better when consumed with fat.

Duration: Do not stop taking the supplement until your doctor advises you to, even if you start to feel better.

How it works

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is biologically inactive and functions as a prohormone, requiring activation by the body. The therapeutic effect of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is achieved through a multi-step metabolic process:

Absorption and Liver Metabolism: After ingestion, the Cholecalciferol is absorbed in the intestine (enhanced by dietary fat) and travels to the liver. In the liver, the enzyme 25-hydroxylase converts it into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (also called Calcifediol or 25(OH)D3). This is the major circulating form of Vitamin D measured in blood tests.

Kidney Activation: The 25(OH)D3 then travels to the kidneys, where it is converted by the enzyme 1-alpha-hydroxylase into the biologically active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (also called Calcitriol). This conversion is tightly regulated by the parathyroid hormone.

Action on Target Tissues: Calcitriol binds to Vitamin D Receptors (VDRs) in the intestine, bone, and kidneys. This binding ultimately leads to increased synthesis of calcium-binding proteins, which dramatically boosts the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the small intestine into the bloodstream. This mechanism elevates blood calcium levels, ensuring adequate mineral supply for bone formation and nerve/muscle function.

Since Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a high-strength Vitamin D supplement usually taken once a week, missing a dose is generally not a cause for concern. If you forget to take your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose (for example, the next day), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular weekly dosing routine.

Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects or vitamin D toxicity. If you are unsure about what to do after missing a dose, consult your doctor for guidance.

Safety Advice for Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) safety advice icon

Alcohol

Caution

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may interfere with calcium and Vitamin D absorption and could potentially affect liver metabolism.

Read More
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) safety advice icon

Pregnancy

Caution

While Vitamin D is essential during pregnancy, this high dose (60000IU) should only be taken if specifically advised by your physician, as excessive intake can harm the baby.

Read More
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) safety advice icon

Breastfeeding

Caution

Vitamin D is distributed into breast milk. Your doctor will assess the risk and benefit before prescribing Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).

Read More
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) safety advice icon

Driving

Safe

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is not known to cause drowsiness, so it does not typically affect your ability to drive. However, if you experience side effects like dizziness or confusion, avoid driving until you feel stable.

Read More
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) safety advice icon

Liver

Caution

The metabolism (activation) of Cholecalciferol occurs primarily in the liver. Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease.

Read More
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) safety advice icon

Kidney

Caution

Vitamin D is activated in the kidneys and increases calcium levels, which may pose risks for individuals with kidney impairment or a history of kidney stones. Medical supervision is advised before supplementation.

Read More

Interactions with Other Drugs

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) may interact with certain medications, affecting either the supplement's efficacy or the safety of the interacting drug. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all other prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you are taking.

Anticonvulsants (e.g., Phenytoin, Carbamazepine): These drugs can accelerate the breakdown of Vitamin D, which may lower its effectiveness and require a higher dosage of Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol).

Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin): Vitamin D can increase the risk of hypercalcemia, which, in turn, can increase the toxicity and side effects of cardiac glycosides. Close monitoring is essential.

Phosphate Binders (e.g., Sucralfate, Aluminium-containing antacids): Vitamin D analogues may increase the absorption of aluminium, which can be problematic in patients with kidney impairment.

Diuretics (Thiazide type): Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can decrease calcium excretion, increasing the risk of hypercalcemia when taken concurrently with Vitamin D.

Other Vitamin D or Calcium Supplements: Do not take other supplements containing Vitamin D or high doses of calcium without consulting your doctor, as this significantly increases the risk of toxicity and hypercalcemia.

Drug-Disease Interactions

Patients with certain pre-existing medical conditions should exercise caution when taking Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) (Cholecalciferol):

Hypercalcemia/Hypervitaminosis D: Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is strictly contraindicated in patients with already high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) or an excess of Vitamin D (hypervitaminosis D), as the supplement will exacerbate these conditions and can lead to toxicity.

Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Since Vitamin D increases calcium absorption and can elevate calcium levels in the urine (hypercalciuria), it is generally not recommended for patients with an active history of calcium kidney stones.

Liver and Biliary Disease: The initial metabolism of Cholecalciferol occurs in the liver. Patients with severe liver impairment may have an altered ability to convert the inactive D3 into its active forms, requiring cautious use.

Atherosclerosis/Heart Disease: High Vitamin D levels leading to hypercalcemia may cause calcification and increase the risk of heart-related issues. Patients with heart conditions, especially those taking cardiac glycosides, require close monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of Vitamin D deficiency and associated bone conditions like osteoporosis.
Take it as a whole capsule with a glass of water, preferably with your largest meal of the day for better absorption.
No, the 60000 IU strength is a high-dose supplement and is typically prescribed for weekly use only, not daily.
This high dose is designed to quickly build up Vitamin D levels in the body over several weeks for people with confirmed severe deficiency.
While bone health improvement takes months, your Vitamin D levels usually begin to rise within the first few weeks of starting the weekly course.
You should only take calcium supplements with Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) if your doctor advises it, as the supplement itself enhances calcium absorption.
Consult your doctor; high doses of Vitamin D are not recommended during pregnancy unless medically necessary and closely monitored.
Weight gain is not a known side effect. Conversely, a potential side effect of a Vitamin D overdose can be weight loss.
Immediately seek emergency medical help if you suspect an overdose, which can lead to high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation, which often resolve on their own.
While Cholecalciferol supplements are often available over-the-counter, this high 60000 IU dosage is typically a prescription-only medication for therapeutic use.
Yes, taking it with milk or dairy products (which contain fat) can actually improve the absorption of Vitamin D3.
Adequate sunlight exposure (10–30 minutes, 3 times a week) and a diet rich in oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods can naturally boost your Vitamin D.
Older adults, breastfed infants, people with dark skin, those with limited sun exposure, and people with gastrointestinal diseases are at higher risk.
If taken excessively, it can cause high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), which may lead to kidney stones or kidney damage.

Fact Box

Therapeutic Class

Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutrients / Vitamin D Analogue

Action Class

Fat-Soluble Vitamin / Prohormone

Chemical Class

Vitamin D Derivative (Cholecalciferol)

Habit Forming

No

Related Medications

Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Tayo 60K Chewable Tablet 8s
Eris Lifesciences Ltd.
Strip of 8 tablets
MRP

192.3

hero_image
Bonefine Chew D3 60K Chewable Tablet 4s
Healing Pharma India Pvt. Ltd.
Strip of 4 tablets

47.3

MRP 94.5

51% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 600000IU

hero_image
Calcijoint D3 600000IU Injection 1ml
Leeford Healthcare Ltd.
Vial of 1 ml
MRP

38

hero_image
Calcidoc D3 6L Injection 1ml
Dr. Morepen Ltd.
Ampoule of 1 ml

49.5

MRP 99

Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
D3 More Sachet 1gm
Primus Remedies Pvt. Ltd.
Packet of 1 gm
MRP

33.2

hero_image
Cipcal D3 60000IU Granules 1gm
Cipla Health Ltd.
Sachet of 1 gm

18.1

MRP 36.3

45% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Cipcal D3 60000IU Granules 1gm
Cipla Health Ltd.
Sachet of 1 gm

18.1

50% OFF

MRP 36.3

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 200IU

hero_image
Wal D3 Plus 200IU Oral Drop 5ml
Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Packet of 5 ml

211.2

18% OFF

MRP 257.5

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 2000IU

hero_image
D3 Must 2K Tablet 10s
Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Strip of 10 tablets

57.1

22% OFF

MRP 73.2

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 1000IU

hero_image
Jusdee 1000IU Tablet 10s
Stedman Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Strip of 10 tablets

38.1

18% OFF

MRP 46.4

Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Vitomin D3 60000IU Granules 1gm
Cipla Ltd.
Sachet of 1 gm
MRP

38.1

hero_image
Cipcal D3 60000IU Granules 1gm
Cipla Health Ltd.
Sachet of 1 gm

18.1

MRP 36.3

52% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Dailyshine MD Vitamin D3 Orally Disintegrating Sugar Free Strip 1s
Systopic Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
Packet of 1 Disintegrating

21.1

18% OFF

MRP 25.8

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 1000IU

hero_image
Ultra D3 1000IU Delicious Pineapple Syrup 100ml
Meyer Organics Pvt. Ltd.
Bottle of 100 ml

129.6

18% OFF

MRP 158

Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 300000IU

hero_image
Arachitol 300000IU 7.5mg Injection 6X1ml
Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Ampoule of 6 ml
MRP

363.7

hero_image
Dr D3 300000IU Injection 1ml
Johnlee Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Strip of 1 ml

22.8

MRP 40

62% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Cipcal D3 60000IU Capsule 4s
Cipla Health Ltd.
Strip of 4 capsules

65.8

50% OFF

MRP 131.5

Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Com D3 Nano Shot 60000IU Oral Solution 5ml
Comed Chemicals Ltd.
Bottle of 5 ml
MRP

70.8

hero_image
Calciquick D3 60K Nano Solution Lychee Flavour 1X5ml
Dr. Morepen Ltd.
Bottle of 5 ml

47.3

MRP 94.5

33% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 2000IU

hero_image
Arachitol Nano Daily 2K IU Sugar Free Oral Solution 150ml
Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Bottle of 150 ml

345.2

18% OFF

MRP 420.9

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 800IU

hero_image
Calciquick D3 Drops 15ml
Dr. Morepen Ltd.
Bottle of 15 ml

62.3

50% OFF

MRP 124.5

Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Calcijoint D3 60000IU Shot Sugar Free Solution 5ml
Leeford Healthcare Ltd.
Bottle of 5 ml
MRP

55

hero_image
Calciquick D3 60K Nano Solution Lychee Flavour 1X5ml
Dr. Morepen Ltd.
Bottle of 5 ml

47.3

MRP 94.5

14% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
D3 Must 60k Orange Flavour Sugar Free Chewable Tablet 8s
Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
strip of 8 tablets
MRP

167

hero_image
Bonefine Chew D3 60K Chewable Tablet 4s
Healing Pharma India Pvt. Ltd.
Strip of 4 tablets

47.3

MRP 94.5

43% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
D3sip Suger Free 60000IU Strip 1s
Nutragenix Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Pack of 1 strips
MRP

43

hero_image
D3Vue Strips 1s
Lavue Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Pack of 1 strips

35.3

MRP 43

18% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Calcitas D3 60000IU Nano Shots Solution 5ml
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Bottle of 5 ml
MRP

76.2

hero_image
Calciquick D3 60K Nano Solution Lychee Flavour 1X5ml
Dr. Morepen Ltd.
Bottle of 5 ml

47.3

MRP 94.5

38% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition in both

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Klm D3 60K Capsule 8s
KLM Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
Strip of 8 capsules
MRP

220.3

hero_image
Cipcal D3 60000IU Capsule 4s
Cipla Health Ltd.
Strip of 4 capsules

65.8

MRP 131.5

40% OFF
Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 600000IU

hero_image
Calcidoc D3 6L Injection 1ml
Dr. Morepen Ltd.
Ampoule of 1 ml

49.5

50% OFF

MRP 99

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Bonefine Chew D3 60K Chewable Tablet 4s
Healing Pharma India Pvt. Ltd.
Strip of 4 tablets

47.3

50% OFF

MRP 94.5

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
D3Vue Strips 1s
Lavue Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Pack of 1 strips

35.3

18% OFF

MRP 43

Molecule
Salt Composition

Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 60000IU

hero_image
Calciquick D3 60K Nano Solution Lychee Flavour 1X5ml
Dr. Morepen Ltd.
Bottle of 5 ml

47.3

50% OFF

MRP 94.5

Molecule
Salt Composition

Calcium + Vitamin D3 + Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

hero_image
Caldimint D3 60K IU Chewable Tablet 4s
Fibovil Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
strip of 4 tablets
MRP

112.5

No Substitute
Sorry, Substitute Medicine is Unavailable