Cholecalciferol

VITAMIN D3

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Pronunciation: koe-le-kal-SIF-er-ol

Cholecalciferol ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Cholecalciferol ballicule

Cholecalciferol VITAMIN D3 mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Cholecalciferol mascot
**“Cholesterol Calcium for All”**

What it isVitamin D3 precursor converted to calcitriol; deficiency treatment and osteoporosis support.

Why this oneRaises and sustains vitamin D better than ergocalciferol and is inexpensive over the counter.

What limits itAdvanced kidney failure impairs activation; excess causes hypercalcemia. Use an active vitamin D analog when activation is the problem.

Cholecalciferol molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Cholecalciferol

Used for

vitamin D deficiency
osteoporosis prevention with calcium

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Principal riskIt cannot be activated in advanced CKD

Classes and tags

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden1 / 4

Weight-gain liability0 / 4

Sedation liability0 / 4

QT / Torsades0 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk1 / 4

Defining liabilityExcessive dosing causes hypercalcemia and renal injury

Available strengths

caps 400 IU (10 mcg) 1000 IU (25 mcg) 2000 IU (50 mcg) 3000 IU, 5000 IU, 10000 IU, 50000 IU

Active metabolites

Calcifediol

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Self-check

Why can cholecalciferol be inadequate in advanced kidney failure?
Activation is impaired.
What is used when activation is the problem?
An active vitamin D analog.