Calcium with colecalciferol Adcal-D3, Calcichew-D3, Calci-D

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

Added to Saved items

Calcium with colecalciferol is a mineral and vitamin D supplement.

It promotes bone strength and helps to prevent 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis).

Make sure you know how to take the preparation you have been given. Some brands of tablets are swallowed with water, others are chewable, and others are dissolved in water. The contents of sachets should be mixed into water before taking. Read the label carefully, and if you are still unsure what to do, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Type of medicineMineral and vitamin supplement
Used forTo promote healthy bones and to prevent osteoporosis
Also calledColecalciferol is also called vitamin D3
Cholecalciferol (in US)
A1-Ca®; AaceCa D3®; Accrete D3®; Adcal-D3®; Cacit D3®; Calceos®; Calcichew D3®; Calci-D®; Calfovit D3®; Colekal-D3®; Evacal D3®; Kalcipos-D®; Natecal D3®; Sunvit-D3®; TheiCal-D3®
Available asTablets, chewable tablets, soluble tablets and sachets

Calcium and vitamin D are both important for healthy, strong bones. Colecalciferol is a type of vitamin D. Vitamin D is mostly made in your skin by exposure to sunlight, but you also get some from your diet. Foods that contain colecalciferol are oily fish (such as sardine, herring, salmon and tuna) and eggs. Your body needs adequate supplies of vitamin D in order for it to absorb the calcium that you eat or drink in your diet.

A mild lack of vitamin D may not cause symptoms, but it can cause general aches and pains. It can also result in an increased risk of 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis). A more severe lack of vitamin D can result in your bones softening. This causes problems such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

If you are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, you will be recommended to take a vitamin D supplement such as calcium and colecalciferol routinely. These tablets/sachets are available on prescription or you can buy them at pharmacies, without a prescription.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking calcium and colecalciferol it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
  • If you have kidney problems, or if you have ever had kidney stones.
  • If you have sarcoidosis. This is a condition causing inflammation, particularly in your lungs and lymph system.
  • If you know you have too much calcium in your blood or urine. This can happen with some cancers.
  • If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
  • Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about calcium and colecalciferol, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.
  • Take calcium with colecalciferol tablets/sachets exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you to. It is usual to take one or two doses each day, preferably after meals. If you are taking one dose a day, try to take your doses at the same time of day each day - this will help you to avoid missing any doses. If you are taking two doses a day, take one in the morning and the other in the evening.
  • Some tablets should be swallowed whole without being chewed; other tablets must be chewed before being swallowed. Preparations of calcium and colecalciferol supplied in sachets and soluble (effervescent) tablets need to be dissolved in a glassful of water before they are taken. Read the label on the preparation carefully to find out what you should do, and if you are still unsure, ask your pharmacist for advice.
  • If you do forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with calcium and colecalciferol.

This medicine is unlikely to cause any side-effects when taken as directed. Rarely, it may cause stomach upset. If you experience any symptoms which you think may be due to it, then ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Are you protected against flu?

See if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab today.

Check now

Further reading and references

newnav-downnewnav-up