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Vitamin D analogue (cholecalciferol)

Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3)

Brand names: Fultium-D3, Desunin, Invita D3, Stexerol-D3, Aviticol, Pro D3

Used in: Osteoporosis Falls & Frailty

Colecalciferol (vitamin D3) is used to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency and to support bone health, often alongside calcium.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Before, during and/or after pregnancy, one softgel daily or as directed by a physician.

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-01-15. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is converted in the liver and kidney to active vitamin D (calcitriol), which increases intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption and supports bone mineralisation.

Prescribing in practice

  • Where deficiency is confirmed, a loading regimen may be used, followed by maintenance.
  • Excessive intake can cause hypercalcaemia; ensure adequate calcium intake and use caution in conditions that predispose to hypercalcaemia (e.g. sarcoidosis).
  • It is commonly co-prescribed with bisphosphonates to ensure repletion before/with treatment.

Monitoring

Routine maintenance supplementation usually needs no monitoring; check vitamin D and calcium where high-dose treatment or hypercalcaemia risk applies.

Counselling the patient

  • Take it regularly; with high-dose treatment follow the schedule provided.
  • Report symptoms of high calcium such as excessive thirst, frequent urination or constipation.

Evidence & guidelines

Recommended for vitamin D deficiency and as a bone-health adjunct (e.g. with bisphosphonates) per NICE/NOGG guidance.

Reference: NICE PH56 (Vitamin D 2014, updated 2017); NOS Vitamin D & Bone Health 2018; RCPCH Vitamin D Guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways