Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D3 is a vitamin found in 21 medicines sold in India, such as Uprise-D3 60K, Calcirol, Depura 60K. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
Also called: cholecalciferol, vitamin d
What it is used for
Helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy; treats vitamin D deficiency.
How it works
Cholecalciferol, the form of vitamin D made in skin from sunlight. It helps absorb calcium for bones and muscles. Deficiency is very common in India despite the sun.
How to take it
Daily doses (600 to 2,000 IU) or weekly 60,000 IU for a few weeks to correct deficiency, then monthly as advised; take with the fattiest meal. Do not continue 60,000 IU weekly for long without a blood test.
Common side effects
Usually none at normal doses
Get medical help straight away if
Thirst, passing lots of urine, nausea, confusion or kidney stones (too much vitamin D raises calcium)
Be careful
High weekly doses are for deficiency only; too much over time can be harmful.
Other medicines and interactions
Thiazide diuretics with high doses raise calcium. Orlistat, liquid paraffin and some anti-epileptics reduce vitamin D.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal doses; high-dose regimens only on medical advice.
Brands of Vitamin D3 (16)
Combination medicines that contain Vitamin D3 (5)
Common questions
What is Vitamin D3 used for?
Helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy; treats vitamin D deficiency.
How does Vitamin D3 work?
Cholecalciferol, the form of vitamin D made in skin from sunlight. It helps absorb calcium for bones and muscles. Deficiency is very common in India despite the sun.
How should I take Vitamin D3?
Daily doses (600 to 2,000 IU) or weekly 60,000 IU for a few weeks to correct deficiency, then monthly as advised; take with the fattiest meal. Do not continue 60,000 IU weekly for long without a blood test.
What are the side effects of Vitamin D3?
Common: Usually none at normal doses. Get help straight away for: Thirst, passing lots of urine, nausea, confusion or kidney stones (too much vitamin D raises calcium).
Does Vitamin D3 interact with other medicines?
Thiazide diuretics with high doses raise calcium. Orlistat, liquid paraffin and some anti-epileptics reduce vitamin D.
Is Vitamin D3 safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding at normal doses; high-dose regimens only on medical advice.
Does Vitamin D3 need a prescription in India?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Which brands contain Vitamin D3?
Arachitol 6L, Calcimax Forte, Calcirol, Calcirol 60K, D 360, D Vita-60K, D Well AQ, D-Rise 60K, D3 Kind, Depura 60K, Dolima D3, DV 60K, Glucon-D, Lumia 60K, Neuro D3 60K, Ostocalcium Plus, Shelcal 500, Shelcal XT, Sunbless 60K, Uprise-D3 60K, Vitanova-D3 SG.
Sources and further reading
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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