Calcirol (Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3))
Also sold as: Calcirol, Uprise-D3, Tayo-60K, Daily-D
Pregnancy
Cat A
Lactation
Safe
Schedule
OTC
Forms
Sachet 60,000 IU +3
Indications
- Vitamin D deficiency (very common in India — >75% population)
- Osteoporosis (with calcium)
- Rickets
- Hypocalcemia
- CKD-MBD
Adult Dosing
Deficiency repletion
60,000 IU PO weekly × 8 weeks, then monthly maintenance
Maintenance
1000-2000 IU/day OR 60,000 IU monthly
Severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL)
60,000 IU twice weekly × 8 weeks, then maintenance
Pediatric Dosing
Indian newborns particularly prone to deficiency
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| eGFR < 30 | Use calcitriol (active form) instead — kidney cannot activate Vit D3 |
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category A
Required throughout pregnancy. Indian women often deficient.
Lactation: Safe
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Thiazide diuretics | Hypercalcemia risk | Moderate |
| Digoxin | Hypercalcemia → digoxin toxicity | Moderate |
| Cholestyramine, orlistat | Reduced absorption | Moderate |
| Phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin | Increased Vit D catabolism — higher doses needed | Moderate |
| Steroids | Reduced calcium absorption | Moderate |
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Side Effects
Common
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
Serious / Discontinue If
- Hypervitaminosis D (toxicity from chronic >10,000 IU/day): hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, AKI, soft tissue calcification, anorexia, polyuria
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypervitaminosis D
- Sarcoidosis with hypercalcemia
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Calcirol 60K Sachet | Cadila | 4 sachets ₹95 |
| Uprise-D3 60K | Alkem | 4 sachets ₹85 |
| Tayo-60K | Tablets India | 4 sachets ₹75 |
Monitoring Required
- 25-OH Vit D levels (target 30-50 ng/mL) at 3 months, then annually. Calcium periodically
Patient Counseling Points
- Take with fatty meal for absorption
- Sunlight exposure 15-20 min daily helps
- Combine with calcium and exercise for bone health
- Continue lifelong if deficiency confirmed
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References
- BNF
- Lexicomp Drug Information
- Indian National Formulary
- Specialty society guidelines (RSSDI/CSI/IAP)