Vitamin
Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Capsule, sachet or tablet
Quick Summary
Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles strong.
Vitamin D deficiency
Osteoporosis
Medical Uses
Vitamin D deficiency: Treatment and prevention.
Osteoporosis: With calcium.
How it's taken
Take as advised by your doctor; some forms are weekly or monthly.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Few side effects
At recommended amounts.
Nausea
With too much.
High calcium
With overuse.
Interactions
Some epilepsy medicines
Increase vitamin D needs.
Critical Warnings
Too much vitamin D
Black Box Warning: Very high doses can cause dangerous high calcium; don't exceed your doctor's advice.
Kidney stones
Tell your doctor if you've had them.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3): drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine