What is D3-50? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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.

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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 bottle

  • D3-50
    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:

D3-50 News & Research

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