D3-50 is a product name for a high dosage (50,000 IU) vitamin D3 supplement, though any 50,000 IU cholecalciferol (D3) product can be called D3-50 for short. BioTech’s D3-50 can be purchased without a prescription, but most people purchase 50,000 IU cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol (D2) with a doctor’s prescription.
D3-50 overview
BRAND NAMES:
D3-50
Generic Names:
Cholecalciferol
Uses:
Treats low vitamin D levels. Also used to treat or prevent rickets or osteomalacia.
Therapeutic Classes:
Nutriceutical, dietary supplement
Forms:
Capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is D3-50 used for?
D3-50 (50,000 IUs of vitamin D3) is a dietary supplement that is used along with calcium supplements to treat vitamin D deficiency or bone problems caused by vitamin D deficiency.
What form(s) does D3-50 come in?
Capsule (D3-50)
1.25 mg (50,000 IU)
Chewable (50,000 IU cholecalciferol)
50,000 IU
What are common D3-50 dosages?
For vitamin D deficiency:
In adults: 50,000 IU weekly for eight weeks
In children: 50,000 IU weekly for six weeks
D3-50 images - What does D3-50 look like?
D3-50
100 capsules bottleD3-50
12 capsules bottle
How to take D3-50
Talk to a doctor before taking over-the-counter D3-50.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Do not take more than one dose per week.
The D3-50 capsule can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, but it’s better to take the capsule with food.
Swallow the D3-50 capsule whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush the capsule.
If you are taking a 50,000 IU D3 chewable, chew the tablet or wafer completely before swallowing. Do not swallow the wafer or chewable tablet whole.
Store D3-50 capsules in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place.
What to do if you miss a dose of D3-50
If a dose is missed, take it when remembered.
Take only one dose per week.
Ask a doctor if the next dose should be taken on its regular day or seven days after a missed dose is taken.
D3-50 contraindications - Who shouldn't take D3-50?
High-dose vitamin D should not be taken by anyone with:
High calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
Malabsorption
Sensitivity to the toxic effects of vitamin D
Vitamin D poisoning (hypervitaminosis D).
Do not take D3-50 capsules if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
D3-50 warnings
If a doctor prescribes D3-50, the doctor may need to see you and perform blood tests. Keep all appointments.
Before taking D3-50, get medical advice from a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Weekly D3-50 doses deliver an excessive overdose of vitamin D3 (about 12 times the recommended daily intake). Over time, taking excessive vitamin D overdoses can cause vitamin D poisoning, a rare but potentially serious and life-threatening condition. Extremely large doses also increase the risk of falls and fractures.
D3-50 interactions & what to avoid when taking D3-50
Before taking D3-50, talk to a doctor if you’re taking other medications.
Tell any doctor or other healthcare professional about D3-50 before they prescribe new medications.
The absorption of oral vitamin D3 is reduced by:
The cholesterol-lowering drugs colestipol or cholestyramine
The weight loss drug orlistat
D3-50 side effects - How does D3-50 make you feel?
Serious side effects
The most serious possible side effect of taking D3-50 is vitamin D poisoning because the vitamin D dose is so high. Allergic reactions are also possible. Talk to a doctor if you notice any of these signs or symptoms:
Vitamin D poisoning: weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, bone pain, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, excessive thirst, excessive urination, confusion, sluggishness, mood changes
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Sources:
Cholecalciferol, StatPearls
Drisdol ergocalciferol capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Vitamin D deficiency, StatPearls
Vitamin D fact sheet for healthcare professionals, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Vitamin D toxicity, StatPearls
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