What is the brand name for Cholecalciferol?
The brand name for Cholecalciferol is OTC (Vitamin D3).
PTCB TOP 200 · #68
Cholecalciferol
OTC (Vitamin D3)
Cholecalciferol is the generic name for the brand-name drug OTC (Vitamin D3). It is a vitamin d3 used to treat vitamin D deficiency. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Cholecalciferol ranks #68 and is one of the most frequently tested vitamins/minerals/supplements medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Cholecalciferol |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | OTC (Vitamin D3) |
| Drug class | Vitamin D3 |
| Class group | Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements |
| Common use | vitamin D deficiency |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Over-the-counter (OTC) |
What is Cholecalciferol used for?
• Vitamin D deficiency: supplementation and treatment.
What drug class is Cholecalciferol?
Cholecalciferol is a Vitamin D3 in the Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Cholecalciferol
- arrow_rightHypercalcemia symptoms (nausea, vomiting)
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightWeakness/fatigue
Major interactions
- arrow_rightThiazide diuretics may ↑ hypercalcemia risk
- arrow_rightDigoxin + hypercalcemia ↑ arrhythmia risk
- arrow_rightOrlistat, cholestyramine may ↓ vitamin D absorption
- arrow_rightEnzyme-inducing anticonvulsants may ↓ vitamin D effect
Is Cholecalciferol a controlled substance?
No. Cholecalciferol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Cholecalciferol (PTCE mnemonic)
D3 = 'D-THREE for ME' (animal-source) — cholecalciferol is more potent than D2. Fat-soluble, take with food; ↑Ca absorption; toxicity = hypercalcemia.
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PTCE exam tip
Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3, the common OTC form — contrast with prescription ergocalciferol (vitamin D2).
Cholecalciferol FAQ
What is Cholecalciferol used for?
Cholecalciferol is used to treat vitamin D deficiency. • Vitamin D deficiency: supplementation and treatment.
What drug class is Cholecalciferol?
Cholecalciferol is a Vitamin D3 (Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group).
Is Cholecalciferol a controlled substance?
No. Cholecalciferol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Study guides that cover Cholecalciferol
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
How hard is the PTCE?what the pass rate really means
Failed the PTCB? The comeback planwhat to do if the first attempt failsSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Cholecalciferol the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed August 7, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).