Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Cholecalciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin supplement used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to conditions like rickets, osteomalacia, and contribute to osteoporosis.
Cholecalciferol is Vitamin D3 used to treat vitamin D deficiency and support bone health by enhancing calcium absorption.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A11CC05
- RxNorm
- 2418
- Generic
- Cholecalciferol
- Class
- atc-a11
- Brands
- Folgard OS, Multi-Delyn, Oysco 500 with D, D3 Dots, Lactocal, Thera-D, Vitafol-One, Animi-3 with Vitamin D, Os-Cal 500 with D, Caltrate Gummy Bites, Viactiv Calcium Plus D, Cal-Quick, Dialyvite Vitamin D3 Max, Infuvite, Infuvite Pediatric
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution, suspension, powder, spray, gel
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1000 IU daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400 IU daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 800 IU daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
do not exceed 4000 IU daily during pregnancy unless prescribed
monitor serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
do not exceed 4000 IU daily during pregnancy unless prescribed
monitor serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
do not exceed 4000 IU daily during pregnancy unless prescribed
monitor serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
supplementation recommended as vitamin d passes into breast milk
monitor infant serum calcium if high doses used
pediatric_age
infants 0 12 monthsage-specific dosing required
400 IU daily for breastfed infants recommended by AAP
monitor serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in at-risk infants
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 18 yearsage-appropriate dosing
600-1000 IU daily recommended depending on age and sun exposure
routine monitoring not required unless deficiency suspected
geriatric
elderly 65 years and oldermay need higher doses due to decreased skin synthesis
800-2000 IU daily may be needed for elderly
定期监测血清钙和25-羟基维生素D水平
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentmay require dose adjustment
monitor renal function and serum calcium
monitor serum creatinine calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentsignificant dose adjustment may be needed
use under medical supervision; active vitamin d analogs may be preferred
close monitoring of serum calcium phosphorus and PTH
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild hepatic impairmentno significant adjustment needed
standard dosing typically adequate
routine monitoring not required
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentmay require dose adjustment
impaired conversion to 25-hydroxyvitamin D may require higher doses
monitor serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for vitamin D supplements
Drug class
ATC Classification system for cholecalciferol
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses for cholecalciferol
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of cholecalciferol
Treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency states including nutritional rickets, osteomalacia, and hypocalcemia; adjunct therapy in osteoporosis management; vitamin D supplementation for individuals at risk of deficiency such as those with limited sun exposure, malabsorption syndromes, or advanced age.
Cholecalciferol is a provitamin that undergoes two sequential hydroxylation steps: first in the liver to form calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D), then in the kidneys to form calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), the biologically active form. Calcitriol acts as a hormone to increase intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, promotes bone mineralization, and supports normal bone remodeling.
Take with a meal containing fat to maximize absorption as it is fat-soluble. Avoid concurrent use with calcium supplements unless prescribed. Patients with hypercalcemia, severe renal impairment, or sarcoidosis should use with caution. Regular monitoring of serum calcium and vitamin D levels may be necessary during treatment to avoid toxicity.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy