Cholecalciferol
VITAMIN D3
Pronunciation: koe-le-kal-SIF-er-ol
“Cholesterol Calcium for All”
What it isVitamin D3 precursor converted to calcitriol; deficiency treatment and osteoporosis support.
Why this oneIt raises and sustains vitamin D better than ergocalciferol and is inexpensive over the counter.
What limits itAdvanced kidney failure impairs activation; excess causes hypercalcemia. Use an active vitamin D analog when activation is the problem.
FDA-approved for
- vitamin D deficiency
Off-label
- vitamin D deficiency
- osteoporosis prevention with calcium
Available strengths
- caps 400 IU (10 mcg) 1000 IU (25 mcg) 2000 IU (50 mcg) 3000 IU, 5000 IU, 10000 IU, 50000 IU
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskIt cannot be activated in advanced CKD
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Defining liabilityExcessive dosing causes hypercalcemia and renal injury