Indications

Vitamin D3 insufficiency can be treated and prevented with cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). In patients with vitamin D3 deficiency, it can also be used as a supplement to a particular osteoporosis treatment.

Generic

Colecalciferol [Vitamin D3]

Pharmacology

Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) aids in calcium and phosphorus absorption and reabsorption. Vitamin D3 is required for optimal bone growth and density maintenance. It also helps type 2 diabetes patients maintain optimal insulin levels by reducing the severity of bacterial infection, improving lung function, reducing the risk of cancer (breast, colorectal), and preventing cancer (breast, colorectal).

Dosage & Administration

For capsule: Adults:

• Treatment of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 40000 IU once weekly for 7 weeks. Doses for maintenance therapy is 1400-2000 IU/day. To confirm the target level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, measurement of it should be determined 3-4 months after initiating the maintenance therapy.
• Prevention of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 20000 IU every 4 weeks. Higher doses may be required in certain situations.
• Addition to specific therapy for osteoporosis: 20000 IU once a month.

For capsule: Children (12-18 years):

• Treatment of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 20000 IU once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks.
• Prevention of Vitamin D3 deficiency: 20000 IU every 6 weeks.

For film-coated tablets: 1000 IU (1-2 tablets) daily, or as directed by a physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal.

For or flash or chewable tablets: 1000 IU to 2000 IU daily, or as directed by a physician. Take the medicine with food or within 1 hour after a meal. Place the tablet in your mouth and swallow after chewing.

For Syrup:
For patients with a risk of Cholecalciferol deficiency:

• 0-1 yr: 400 IU/ day (2 ml)
• >1 Yr: 600 lU/ day (3 ml)

For Cholecalciferol deficient patients:

• 0-1 yr: 2000 IU/ day (+50000 IU/week ) for 6 weeks
• 1 -18 yrs: 2000 IU/ day for 6 weeks.

Injection: Prevention:

• Infants receiving Vitamin D enriched milk: 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. every 6 months.
• Nursed infants or infants not receiving Vitamin D enriched milk or young children up to 5 years of age: 1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. every 6 months.
• Adolescents: 1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. every 6 months during winter.
• Pregnancy: 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. from the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy.
• Elderly: 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. every 3 months. Digestive disorders, concomitant treatment with antiepileptics & other particular conditions not described above; 1/2 ampoule (0.5ml) i.e. 1,00000 I.U. or 1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. every 3 or 6 months.

Injection: Vitamin D deficiency:

• 1 ampoule (1ml) i.e. 2,00000 I.U. which can be repeated 1 to 6 months later. Or, as directed by the registered physician.

Interaction

Phenytoin, barbiturates, glucocorticoids, certain laxatives (such as liquid paraffin), actinomycin, and imidazole antifungal medicines are all affected.

Contraindications

Vitamin D3  is contraindicated in all diseases associated with hypercalcemia. It is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to  Vitamin  D 3   (or medicines of the same class) and any of the excipients. It is contraindicated if there is evidence of Vitamin D3  toxicity.

Side Effects

Symptoms rarely include anorexia, lassitude, nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss,  polyuria,  sweating, headache,  thirst,  vertigo,  and raised concentrations of calcium and phosphate in plasma and urine.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Studies have shown that dosages up to 4000 IU are safe to use during pregnancy. The recommended daily consumption for pregnant women is 400 IU; however, if the woman is Vitamin D3 deficient, a larger amount may be necessary. Women should follow their doctor’s advice during pregnancy because their needs may change depending on the severity of their disease and how well they respond to therapy.

Breast milk excretes vitamin D3 and its metabolites. Overdose in nursing mothers’ newborns has not been reported; however, when providing more vitamin D3 to a breastfed child, the practitioner should take into account the dose of any additional vitamin D3 given to the mother.

Precautions & Warnings

In patients with compromised renal function, it should be used with caution.

Therapeutic Class

Vitamin D preparations, vitamin in bone development. Vitamin D preparations for bone growth.

Storage Conditions

Keep the temperature below 30°C and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep out of children’s reach.

Pharmaceutical Name

Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd.