What is Calcium Carbonate-Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the directions on the label or a healthcare provider’s instructions. 

Take calcium carbonate supplements with food.

Swallow the tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water.

Chewable tablets can be chewed or swallowed whole.

Store calcium carbonate-cholecalciferol supplements at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze or expose to heat.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. 

Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose.

Because large doses are poorly absorbed, double doses won’t make up for a missed dose.

Do not take calcium carbonate-cholecalciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the supplement.

Take the recommended daily allowance unless a healthcare provider instructs otherwise. Over time, taking too much calcium can lead to high calcium and/or low phosphate levels. 

Before taking this supplement, talk to a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Stomach or digestion problems

• Malabsorption

• Low stomach acid

• A history of kidney stones

• A history of high calcium

• A history of low calcium

• A history of an overactive parathyroid gland

Do not start taking calcium supplements without a healthcare provider’s approval if you are on dialysis or have:

• High calcium levels (hypercalcemia) in the blood or urine

• Low phosphate levels

• Overactive parathyroid gland

• Chronic kidney disease

Some chewable tablet products may contain aspartame, which can cause a serious reaction in people with phenylketonuria.

Calcium can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb other medications or supplements. These medicines or supplements should be taken two to six hours before or after a calcium supplement:

• Tetracycline antibiotics (two hours apart)

• Quinolone antibiotics (two hours apart)

• Iron supplements (two hours apart)

• The thyroid hormone levothyroxine (four hours apart)

• The HIV/AIDS drug dolutegravir (take dolutegravir two hours before or six hours after a calcium supplement)

Some drugs cause high calcium, so do not take calcium supplements until talking to a doctor if you are using:

• Other calcium supplements or antacids

• The mood stabilizer lithium

Some drugs will decrease the body’s ability to absorb calcium from a calcium supplement. The interaction is not dangerous, but it reduces the effectiveness of taking the supplement. These include:

• Stomach acid reducers

• Stimulant laxatives