Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Indications
Vitamin D with calcium is used to treat or prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). Vitamin D is also used with other medications to treat low levels of calcium or phosphate caused by certain disorders (such as hypoparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, familial hypophosphatemia). It may be used in kidney disease to keep calcium levels normal and allow normal bone growth.
Therapeutic Class
Pharmacology
Dosage & Administration
Tablet or Capsule:
- Adults: Treatment of Colecalciferol deficiency: 40,000-50,000 lU/week for 7 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy (1,400-2,000 lU/day). Follow-up 25 (OH)D measurements should be made approximately 3 to 4 months after initiating maintenance therapy to confirm that the target level has been achieved. Prevention of Vitamin D deficiency: 20,000 lU/month.
- Children: Treatment of Vitamin D deficiency, 12-18 years: 20,000 IU, once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks. Prevention of Vitamin D deficiency, 12-18 years: 20,000 IU, once every 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 condition 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.
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.
Oral solution:
- Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is recommended 5-10 mcg or 1-2 ml (200-400 IU)/day or as directed by the physician.
Interaction
Contraindications
Side Effects
Pregnancy & Lactation
It should be assumed that exogenous Colecalciferol passes into the breast milk. In view of the potential for hypercalcaemia in the mother and for adverse reactions from Colecalciferol in nursing infants, mothers may breastfeed while taking Colecalciferol, provided that the serum Calcium levels of the mother and infant are monitored.
Precautions
Vitamin D must be taken with adequate amounts of both Calcium and Magnesium supplementation. When Calcium level is low (due to insufficient vitamin D and calcium intake), the body activates the parathyroid gland, which produces PTH (parathyroid hormone). This hormone kick starts vitamin D hormone production and assists removal of Calcium from the bones to be used in more important functions such as neutralizing body acidity.
Overdose Effects
Treatment: Immediate gastric lavage or induction of vomiting to prevent further absorption. Liquid paraffin should be administered to promote faecal excretion. Repeated serum calcium determinations are advisable. If elevated calcium levels persist in the serum, phosphates and corticosteroids may be administered and measures instituted to bring about adequate diuresis.
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