cholecalciferol (vitamin D)

cholecalciferol (vitamin D)

Indication

  • Vitamin supplementation for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency for term breastfed infants

Dosage Guidelines

  • Start when 50% enteral feeds have been reached in infants greater than 2 kg feeding plain breast milk
  • 400 units ORAL daily

Administration

  • ORAL: administer with feeds to avoid GI irritation

Adverse Effects

  • Well tolerated at recommended doses

Comments 

  • Doses in excess of 1,000 units daily may cause chronic toxicity
  • Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, PHENobarbital) may reduce the effects of vitamin D
  • Breast milk does not provide the daily recommended intake of vitamin D for term infants
  • Convert to cholecalciferol drops on discharge (1 drop = 400 units)

Supplied As

  • 400 units/mL oral solution

References

LexiComp Sick Kids, LexiComp Pediatric and Neonatal, Neofax