Neonatal Drug Therapy Manual

Vitamin D, Cholecalciferol

Disclaimer: Official controlled document is the CHEO and Ottawa Hospital online copy. It is the responsibility of user to ensure that any paper copy version is the same as the online version before use.

Alternate Name(s): 
D-Vi-Sol, D-Drops
Classification: 
Vitamin
Original Date: 
February 2010
Revised Date: 
February 2014
Indications: 
  • Prevention of Vitamin D deficiency
  • Treatment of Vitamin D deficiency and/or rickets
Administration: 
  • PO
Dosage: 
  • Prevention of Vitamin D deficiency
    • 400 - 800 international units/day
  •  Treatment of Vitamin D deficiency (25-OH -D level < 50 nmol/L) and/or rickets
    • Increase the daily intake of Vitamin D by titrating in accordance with vitamin D levels
Parameters to Monitor: 

When treating vitamin D deficiency (level < 50 nmol/L), recheck the 25-OH-D level 3 months after starting therapy to ensure adequate dosing.

  • 400 international units of vit D will increase levels by about 10 nmol/L
  • 1000 international units of vit D will increase levels by about 25 nmol/L
Reconstitution and Stability: 

N/A

Compatibility: 

N/A

Notes: 
  • D-Vi-Sol: each 1 mL of solution contains 400 international units of Vitamin D
  • D-Drops: each 1 drop = 0.03 mL = 400 international units of Vitamin D
References: 
  • Abrams SA. Calcium and Vitamin D requirements of enterally fed preterm infants.  Pediatrics 2013; 131 (5): e1676
  • Harrison CM, Gibson AT.  Osteopenia in preterm infants.  Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonat Ed 2013; 98: F272-F275
  • Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM.  Pediatric Dosage Handbook 20th Edition.  Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc.;2013

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