Important Note:

The Following Information Is Intended To Supplement, Not Substitute For, The Expertise And Judgment Of Your Physician, Pharmacist Or Other Healthcare Professional. It Should Not Be Construed To Indicate That Use Of The Drug Is Safe, Appropriate, Or Effective For You. Consult Your Healthcare Professional Before Using This Drug.

vitamin D - Oral

Common Brand Name(s): Calciferol, Calderol, Drisdol

Uses:

Vitamin D Is A Fat-soluble Vitamin Which Plays An Important Role In Regulating Calcium, Phosphorus And Minerals In The Body And For Promoting Normal Bone Development. Vitamin D Supplements Are Used To Treat And Prevent Vitamin D Deficiencies (rickets); To Regulate Parathyroid Hormone; To Prevent And Treat Muscle Cramps; To Treat Certain Types Of Calcium And Phosphate Disorders.

How To Use:

Take This Medication Orally As Directed. Swallow Tablets And Capsules Whole. Do Not Crush Or Chew Them. Carefully Measure Liquid Doses Of This Medication Using A Marked Medication Spoon.

Side Effects:

This Medication Is Generally Well Tolerated. Notify Your Doctor If You Experience: Nausea, Loss Of Appetite, Vomiting, Stomach Cramps, Dry Mouth, Increased Thirst, Increased Urination, Muscle Or Bone Pain, Headache, Weakness, Weight Loss, Dizziness. If You Notice Other Effects Not Listed Above, Contact Your Doctor Or Pharmacist.

Precautions:

Tell Your Doctor If You Have: Kidney Problems, Thyroid Disease. This Medication Should Be Used As Directed During Pregnancy Or While Breast-feeding. Consult Your Doctor About The Risks And Benefits.

Drug Interactions:

Tell Your Doctor Of Any Over-the-counter Or Prescription Medication You May Take, Especially Of: Barbiturates, Digoxin, Phenytoin, Verapamil. Avoid Taking Magnesium-containing Antacids Or Mineral Oil While Taking Vitamin D. Do Not Start Or Stop Any Medicine Without Doctor Or Pharmacist Approval.

Overdose:

If Overdose Is Suspected, Contact Your Local Poison Control Center Or Emergency Room Immediately. Symptoms Of Overdose May Include Severe Drowsiness, Unconsciousness, Weakness, Headache, Loss Of Appetite, Dry Mouth, Metallic Taste, Nausea Or Vomiting, Stomach Cramps, Constipation, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Or Irritability.

Notes:

Vitamin D Is Commonly Found In Fresh-water Fish, Eggs, Fortified Milk And Milk Products, Sardines, Chicken Livers And Cod Liver Oil. Follow Any Dietary Guidelines Recommended.

Missed Dose:

If You Miss A Dose, Take It As Soon As Remembered; Do Not Take It If It Is Near The Time For The Next Dose, Instead, Skip The Missed Dose And Resume Your Usual Dosing Schedule. Do Not "double-up" The Dose To Catch Up.

Storage:

Store Tablets And Capsules At Room Temperature Between 59 And 86 Degrees F (15 To 30 Degrees C) Away From Heat And Light. Do Not Store In The Bathroom.