Side Effects
by mouth as directed. Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken after a meal but may be taken with or without food. Alfacalcidol is usually taken with food.
Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take as directed by your doctor. You do not need to take this medication with water.
It may be easiest to take vitamin D at bedtime if you are also taking these other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, take it at the same time each day if you are taking it once a day. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. If your doctor has recommended that you follow a special diet (such as a diet high in calcium), it is very important to follow the diet to get the most benefit from this medication and to prevent serious side effects.
Do not take other supplements/vitamins unless ordered by your doctor.
1. Elevated Blood Levels
In another 2020 case report, a 56-year-old woman who took an average of 130,000 IU of vitamin D per day for 20 months in hopes of improving symptoms of multiple sclerosis was hospitalized for symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. Note that 130,000 IU is over 30 times the generally recommended safe upper limit of 4,000 IU per day.
This will help you avoid potential inappropriate or dangerous dosing.
What Is Cholecalciferol?
Cholecalciferol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Some individuals who might need extra vitamin D include:
Older adults
Breastfed babies
People with darker skin
Obese individuals (or those who’ve had gastric bypass surgery)
People with conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, or liver disease
Vitamin D3 may be used with different supplements or medicines to treat or prevent other condition.