Colecalciferol Strides
Vitamin D3 (Colecalciferol) 800 IU Soft Capsules
Colecalciferol Strides contains vitamin D3 (colecalciferol) 800 IU in soft capsule form. It is a prescription medicine used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in adults. Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and muscle strength. This comprehensive guide covers uses, correct dosage, potential side effects, drug interactions, and storage instructions based on international clinical guidelines.
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Colecalciferol Strides provides 800 IU (20 micrograms) of vitamin D3 per soft capsule, the most commonly recommended daily dose for adults at risk of deficiency.
- Take one capsule daily with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption, as vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin.
- Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common worldwide, affecting an estimated 1 billion people, and is linked to bone disorders, weakened immunity, and muscle weakness.
- Side effects are rare at recommended doses but overdose can cause dangerous hypercalcemia; never exceed the prescribed dose without medical advice.
- Regular blood monitoring of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium levels is recommended during long-term treatment to ensure safe and effective supplementation.
What Is Colecalciferol Strides and What Is It Used For?
Colecalciferol Strides contains the active substance colecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D that the human body produces in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. It belongs to the pharmacological class of vitamin D and analogues (ATC code: A11CC05) and is one of the most widely prescribed forms of vitamin D supplementation worldwide.
The primary indication for Colecalciferol Strides is the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 25 nmol/L or 10 ng/mL) and vitamin D insufficiency (levels between 25-50 nmol/L or 10-20 ng/mL). According to the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines, vitamin D deficiency is a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide. Populations at particularly high risk include elderly individuals, people with limited sun exposure, those with darker skin pigmentation, individuals with malabsorption disorders, and people living at higher latitudes.
Once ingested, colecalciferol undergoes a two-step metabolic activation. In the liver, it is hydroxylated to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol), the primary circulating form measured in blood tests. Subsequently, in the kidneys, it is converted to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), the biologically active hormone. Calcitriol binds to vitamin D receptors (VDRs) found throughout the body, regulating the expression of over 200 genes involved in calcium metabolism, bone remodelling, immune modulation, and cell differentiation.
Approved Indications
Colecalciferol Strides 800 IU is indicated for the following clinical situations:
- Prevention of vitamin D deficiency in adults recognised as being at high risk, including the elderly, housebound individuals, and those with inadequate dietary intake or limited sun exposure.
- Treatment of documented vitamin D deficiency when supplementation is judged necessary by a healthcare professional.
- Adjunctive therapy in osteoporosis when used alongside calcium supplementation and specific osteoporosis medications (bisphosphonates, denosumab) to ensure adequate vitamin D status for optimal bone mineral density.
- Support for calcium absorption in patients with conditions that impair calcium homeostasis, including chronic kidney disease (stages 1-3), hypoparathyroidism, and malabsorption syndromes.
The 800 IU daily dose is consistent with recommendations from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and the Endocrine Society, all of which recognise 800 IU as an appropriate maintenance dose for most adults, particularly those aged 65 and older. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet has confirmed that daily doses of 800 IU significantly reduce the risk of hip fractures and non-vertebral fractures in older adults when combined with adequate calcium intake.
What Should You Know Before Taking Colecalciferol Strides?
Before starting Colecalciferol Strides, it is essential to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider. Certain conditions can make vitamin D supplementation inappropriate or require dose adjustments and enhanced monitoring. Your doctor will consider your baseline vitamin D status, calcium levels, kidney function, and any concurrent medications before prescribing this medicine.
Contraindications
Do not take Colecalciferol Strides if you have any of the following conditions:
- Hypercalcemia – Elevated blood calcium levels (serum calcium above 2.65 mmol/L or 10.6 mg/dL). Vitamin D supplementation would further increase calcium absorption and potentially cause serious complications including cardiac arrhythmias and renal calcification.
- Hypervitaminosis D – Existing vitamin D toxicity (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D above 375 nmol/L or 150 ng/mL). Additional supplementation is contraindicated until levels normalise.
- Hypercalciuria – Excessive calcium excretion in the urine, which predisposes to kidney stone formation.
- Nephrolithiasis (calcium kidney stones) – Active calcium-containing kidney stones or a significant history of recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis.
- Severe renal impairment – End-stage kidney disease (eGFR below 15 mL/min) where the kidney cannot adequately convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D to the active form, and specialised vitamin D analogues (alfacalcidol, calcitriol) may be required instead.
- Known hypersensitivity to colecalciferol or any of the excipients in the formulation, including soya or peanut (if present in the product).
Warnings and Precautions
Exercise caution and consult your doctor before taking Colecalciferol Strides if you have any of the following:
- Sarcoidosis or other granulomatous diseases – These conditions involve increased conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to calcitriol by activated macrophages, leading to a heightened risk of hypercalcemia even at standard doses. Your doctor may recommend lower doses and more frequent calcium monitoring.
- Impaired renal function (moderate, eGFR 15-59 mL/min) – Reduced kidney function may affect vitamin D metabolism and increase the risk of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphate, and renal function is essential.
- Concurrent use of other vitamin D-containing products – Many multivitamins, fortified foods, and calcium-vitamin D combinations contain additional vitamin D. The total daily intake from all sources must be considered to avoid inadvertent overdose.
- Immobilised patients – Patients with prolonged immobility are at increased risk of hypercalcemia due to accelerated bone resorption. Reduced doses and regular calcium monitoring are recommended.
During long-term treatment with Colecalciferol Strides, your doctor should periodically monitor your serum calcium levels, urinary calcium excretion, and renal function (serum creatinine, eGFR). This is particularly important in patients with impaired renal function, those taking thiazide diuretics, or those with a history of kidney stones.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Vitamin D is important during pregnancy for both maternal and foetal health. However, supplementation during pregnancy should be carefully managed:
- Pregnancy: The recommended daily intake of vitamin D during pregnancy is typically 400-800 IU (10-20 micrograms) according to WHO and IOM guidelines. Doses exceeding 4,000 IU daily should be avoided unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider, as prolonged hypercalcemia during pregnancy has been associated with adverse foetal outcomes including supravalvular aortic stenosis and neonatal hypercalcemia. Colecalciferol Strides 800 IU falls within the recommended range, but medical supervision is still required.
- Breastfeeding: Vitamin D3 and its metabolites are excreted in breast milk. At recommended doses of 800 IU daily, the amount transferred to the infant through breast milk is generally insufficient to cause adverse effects. However, the total vitamin D intake of the infant from all sources (breast milk, formula, supplements) should be considered to prevent excessive intake.
Always inform your doctor or midwife if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding before starting any new medication, including vitamin D supplements.
How Does Colecalciferol Strides Interact with Other Drugs?
Drug interactions with colecalciferol can alter either the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation or the safety profile of concomitant medications. Understanding these interactions is crucial for safe treatment. The following table summarises the most clinically significant interactions:
Major Interactions
| Drug / Drug Class | Interaction Effect | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide) | Thiazides reduce urinary calcium excretion. Combined with vitamin D (which increases calcium absorption), this can lead to hypercalcemia. | Monitor serum calcium regularly. Dose adjustment of either drug may be needed. |
| Cardiac glycosides (digoxin, digitoxin) | Vitamin D-induced hypercalcemia increases the risk of potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias in patients taking cardiac glycosides. | Strict monitoring of serum calcium and digoxin levels. ECG monitoring if hypercalcemia develops. |
| Phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine | These anticonvulsants induce hepatic CYP450 enzymes, accelerating vitamin D metabolism and reducing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. | Higher vitamin D doses may be required. Monitor 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and adjust dosage accordingly. |
| Corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) | Systemic corticosteroids reduce calcium absorption from the gut and impair vitamin D metabolism, potentially reducing efficacy of supplementation. | Consider higher vitamin D doses for patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Monitor bone density. |
Minor Interactions
| Drug / Drug Class | Interaction Effect | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| Orlistat | Orlistat inhibits fat absorption, and as vitamin D is fat-soluble, its absorption may be significantly reduced (by up to 30%). | Take vitamin D at least 2 hours before or after orlistat. Consider monitoring vitamin D levels. |
| Cholestyramine, colestipol (bile acid sequestrants) | Bile acid sequestrants bind fat-soluble vitamins in the gut, reducing absorption of vitamin D. | Take vitamin D at least 4 hours before or after bile acid sequestrants. |
| Rifampicin, isoniazid | These anti-tuberculosis drugs may increase the metabolism of vitamin D through CYP enzyme induction, reducing its efficacy. | Monitor vitamin D levels during concurrent use. Higher supplementation doses may be necessary. |
| Mineral oil (liquid paraffin) | Long-term use of mineral oil laxatives can impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin D. | Avoid long-term concurrent use. If needed, separate administration by several hours. |
Colecalciferol Strides is often prescribed alongside calcium supplements. While this combination is generally beneficial, the total daily calcium intake (from supplements, diet, and fortified foods) should not exceed 2,000 mg to avoid the risk of hypercalcemia and vascular calcification. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate calcium dose for your individual needs.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Colecalciferol Strides?
The correct dosage of Colecalciferol Strides depends on the individual patient's vitamin D status, age, clinical indication, and risk factors. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate dose based on your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and clinical circumstances. The following dosage recommendations are based on international guidelines from the Endocrine Society, EMA, and NICE.
Adults
Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency
Standard dose: 800 IU (1 capsule) once daily.
This dose is recommended by the Endocrine Society and IOM for adults aged 19-70 years at risk of deficiency, and for all adults aged 71 years and older. Take the capsule with the main meal of the day, preferably one containing some dietary fat (e.g., olive oil, butter, nuts, or avocado) to maximise absorption.
Treatment of Documented Vitamin D Deficiency
Loading dose: Your doctor may prescribe a higher initial loading regimen (e.g., 1,600-4,000 IU daily or weekly bolus doses) for 8-12 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 800 IU daily.
The Endocrine Society recommends 6,000 IU daily for 8 weeks (or 50,000 IU weekly for 8 weeks) to correct deficiency, followed by maintenance dosing. Your doctor will determine whether Colecalciferol Strides 800 IU is appropriate for the loading phase or only for maintenance.
Adjunct to Osteoporosis Therapy
Recommended dose: 800 IU (1 capsule) daily, combined with calcium supplementation (typically 500-1,200 mg calcium daily).
This combination has been shown in randomised controlled trials (Bischoff-Ferrari et al., NEJM 2012) to reduce the risk of hip fracture by approximately 30% and non-vertebral fractures by 14% in adults aged 65 and older.
Children
Colecalciferol Strides 800 IU soft capsules are indicated for adult use only. Vitamin D supplementation in children and adolescents requires age-appropriate formulations and doses:
- Infants (0-12 months): 400 IU daily (WHO and AAP recommendation)
- Children (1-18 years): 600-1,000 IU daily depending on risk factors
Paediatric vitamin D supplements are typically available as oral drops or chewable tablets. Consult a paediatrician for appropriate formulation and dosing.
Elderly
Elderly patients (aged 65 and older) are at particularly high risk of vitamin D deficiency due to reduced skin synthesis capacity, limited sun exposure, and decreased dietary intake. The standard dose of 800 IU daily is specifically recommended for this population by the Endocrine Society, NICE, and the International Osteoporosis Foundation. This dose has been associated with improved muscle function, reduced fall risk (by approximately 20%), and fracture prevention when combined with adequate calcium intake.
No dose adjustment is typically required for elderly patients with normal renal function. However, those with renal impairment (eGFR below 60 mL/min) may require specialist endocrine or nephrology review to determine the most appropriate vitamin D preparation.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Colecalciferol Strides:
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, as long as it is still the same day.
- If you do not remember until the following day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
- Occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact your vitamin D levels, as the vitamin is stored in body fat and released gradually.
Overdose
Vitamin D toxicity (hypervitaminosis D) is a serious medical condition. The toxic threshold is generally above 10,000 IU daily for extended periods or single massive doses exceeding 300,000 IU. Toxicity results in dangerous hypercalcemia, which can cause:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Extreme thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria)
- Muscle weakness and fatigue
- Confusion, disorientation, and altered consciousness
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Kidney stones and nephrocalcinosis (calcium deposits in the kidneys)
- Acute or chronic renal failure
If overdose is suspected, stop the medication immediately, contact your doctor or poison control centre, and seek urgent medical attention. Treatment involves discontinuation of vitamin D, rehydration with intravenous fluids, and measures to lower serum calcium.
What Are the Side Effects of Colecalciferol Strides?
Like all medicines, Colecalciferol Strides can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. At the recommended dose of 800 IU daily, adverse effects are infrequent. The vast majority of side effects are associated with excessive vitamin D intake leading to hypercalcemia. The following frequency classification is based on MedDRA conventions and post-marketing surveillance data compiled by the EMA:
Uncommon
- Hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium) – usually only with doses exceeding recommendations
- Hypercalciuria (elevated urinary calcium excretion)
Rare
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Pruritus (itching), rash, and urticaria (hives)
- Headache
- Fatigue and weakness
Very Rare
- Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis in patients allergic to excipients)
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones)
- Nephrocalcinosis (calcium deposits in the kidneys)
- Polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (in the context of severe hypercalcemia)
Signs of Hypercalcemia to Watch For
Hypercalcemia is the most important adverse effect to be aware of during vitamin D therapy. While uncommon at 800 IU daily doses, it can occur in susceptible individuals (e.g., those with sarcoidosis, primary hyperparathyroidism, or impaired renal function) or when combining multiple sources of vitamin D and calcium. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include:
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Excessive thirst and increased urination
- Muscle weakness, bone pain, or joint discomfort
- Confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating
- Constipation
- Irregular heartbeat
If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly if they are persistent or worsening, stop taking Colecalciferol Strides and contact your doctor immediately. A simple blood test can confirm whether your calcium levels are elevated.
You can help improve drug safety by reporting any suspected side effects to your national pharmacovigilance authority. In the EU, reports can be submitted through the EMA's EudraVigilance system. In the UK, use the Yellow Card Scheme. In the US, contact the FDA's MedWatch programme.
How Should You Store Colecalciferol Strides?
Proper storage of Colecalciferol Strides ensures the medicine retains its potency and safety throughout its shelf life. Vitamin D3 is sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, and improper storage can lead to degradation of the active ingredient, reducing the effectiveness of each capsule.
- Temperature: Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze the capsules, as extreme cold can alter the integrity of the soft capsule shell.
- Light protection: Keep the capsules in the original blister packaging or container to protect from light. Ultraviolet light can degrade colecalciferol.
- Moisture: Store in a dry place. Avoid storing in the bathroom or kitchen where humidity levels may be high.
- Child safety: Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children. The soft capsules may be attractive to small children.
- Expiry date: Do not use Colecalciferol Strides after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister (EXP). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Disposal: Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal. This helps protect the environment.
What Does Colecalciferol Strides Contain?
Understanding the full composition of Colecalciferol Strides is important, particularly for patients with known allergies or dietary restrictions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the capsule contents:
Active Ingredient
- Colecalciferol (vitamin D3): 800 IU (equivalent to 20 micrograms) per soft capsule. Colecalciferol is derived from lanolin (sheep wool fat) through a chemical synthesis process involving 7-dehydrocholesterol irradiation. It is chemically identical to the vitamin D3 produced naturally in human skin upon UVB exposure.
Excipients (Inactive Ingredients)
The following excipients may be present in the formulation (the exact composition may vary slightly between batches and market authorisations):
- Capsule fill: Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil, derived from coconut or palm kernel oil) – serves as the oily vehicle that dissolves the fat-soluble vitamin D3 and enhances its absorption.
- Capsule shell: Gelatin (bovine or porcine origin), glycerol (E422), and purified water – these form the soft, easily swallowable capsule shell.
- Antioxidant: Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) may be added in trace amounts to prevent oxidative degradation of colecalciferol.
Colecalciferol Strides soft capsules contain gelatin (of animal origin). They are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Some formulations may also contain soya lecithin – check the patient information leaflet in your specific product packaging if you have a soya or peanut allergy. The capsules do not contain lactose, gluten, or artificial colourants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colecalciferol Strides
Medical References
Evidence Level 1A – Based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials. All references are from peer-reviewed international sources.
- Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Evaluation, Treatment, and Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(7):1911-1930. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-0385
- Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Willett WC, Orav EJ, et al. A pooled analysis of vitamin D dose requirements for fracture prevention. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(1):40-49. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1109617
- Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Ross AC, Taylor CL, Yaktine AL, Del Valle HB, eds. Washington (DC): National Academies Press; 2011.
- NICE Guideline [PH56]. Vitamin D: supplement use in specific population groups. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Updated 2024.
- European Medicines Agency. Colecalciferol – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). EMA. Accessed December 2025.
- Bolland MJ, Grey A, Avenell A. Effects of vitamin D supplementation on musculoskeletal health: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018;6(11):847-858. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(18)30265-1
- World Health Organization. Vitamin D supplementation in infants, children and adolescents. WHO Guidelines. 2024.
- Bouillon R, Marcocci C, Carmeliet G, et al. Skeletal and Extraskeletal Actions of Vitamin D: Current Evidence and Outstanding Questions. Endocr Rev. 2019;40(4):1109-1151. doi:10.1210/er.2018-00126
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