Arachitol

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Arachitol

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Arachitol

This section provides a factual identity and general classification of Arachitol, addressing its core composition, distinctive features, and purpose without detailing specific treatment regimens or clinical usage.

Property Description
Active ingredient Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
Form Tablet, Oral Solution, Injection
Pharmacological class Vitamin D Derivative (Secosteroid)
Common use Supplementation for Vitamin D Deficiency
Origin Derived (Secosteroid Prohormone)

What Type of Medicine is Arachitol and What is it Made Of?

Arachitol is a pharmaceutical product containing the active substance Colecalciferol, which is the internationally recognized name (INN) for Vitamin D3. This preparation, marketed by Abbott India Ltd., is classified as a fat-soluble vitamin supplement and chemically as a secosteroid prohormone. Colecalciferol’s prohormone nature is a clinically recognized attribute, meaning the compound is initially inactive and requires metabolic conversion to the active hormone, Calcitriol, by the liver and kidneys.

This medicine is consistently manufactured as a single-ingredient product, available for both prescription and, in some concentrations, potentially over-the-counter (OTC) use. Arachitol is supplied in various established dosage forms, including the Tablet, the Oral Solution (often using specialized nanodroplet technology), and the Injection, accommodating both oral and intramuscular administration routes.

What is the General Purpose of Arachitol?

The overarching purpose of Arachitol is to provide an external source of Colecalciferol to correct or prevent Vitamin D deficiency, a goal broadly supported by pharmacological studies. By ensuring an adequate supply of the precursor, the medicine provides the necessary means for the body to maintain its critical mineral regulation system.

The primary benefit is ensuring sufficient mineral balance for effective calcium and phosphate absorption, which directly leads to proper bone mineralisation. It is typically provided as a preventative measure or a maintenance therapy when insufficient sunlight exposure or dietary intake compromises Vitamin D status.

Regulatory References

  1. MedlinePlus - NIH

What side effects are possible with Arachitol?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section summarizes the adverse reactions and safety information for Arachitol (cholecalciferol/Vitamin D3) as documented in official government regulatory sources.

Adverse Reactions Scope

Adverse reactions associated with cholecalciferol are typically rare when used appropriately and are often well tolerated. The primary safety concern is the risk of Hypervitaminosis D (Vitamin D toxicity) resulting from excessive or prolonged use, which is a dose-dependent effect.

Adverse Reaction Category Examples of Effects
Gastrointestinal Nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, anorexia, constipation, and pancreatitis.
Nervous System Headache, weakness, irritability, confusion.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Skin rash, itching, hives (urticaria).
Renal/Urinary Increased calcium in urine (hypercalciuria), kidney stones.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Key Safety Considerations

The most serious adverse effect documented is Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels), which is the principal manifestation of Vitamin D toxicity. Persistent hypercalcemia can lead to severe health issues, including potentially irreversible renal damage. In rare, extreme cases of toxicity, serious complications like coma and death have been documented.

Safety Restrictions and Contraindications:

This medicine is formally contraindicated in patients with pre-existing conditions that relate to its primary safety risk, including: Hypercalcemia, Hypervitaminosis D, severe kidney impairment, kidney stones, and known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. Additionally, caution and mandatory monitoring are required for patients with sarcoidosis or impaired renal function, as these populations may be at higher risk for adverse outcomes. Safety information notes that long-term use requires regular monitoring of blood calcium and Vitamin D levels.


Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The regulatory profile for Arachitol (Colecalciferol) overdose is defined by the resulting condition of hypercalcemia, which drives the documented clinical and physiological effects. Officially listed overdose manifestations include systemic and gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia (loss of appetite), nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, fatigue, confusion, polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyuria (frequent urination). Laboratory findings consistently show elevated serum calcium and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, along with potential EKG changes such as a shortened QT interval.

Overdose is officially documented as potentially leading to severe or life-threatening outcomes. These include renal failure, the development of calcification in soft tissues and blood vessels, and serious cardiovascular effects like cardiac arrhythmia. Patients with coexisting conditions such as liver disease or chronic kidney failure are noted to have an increased risk for toxicity.

Regulatory instructions mandate that patients stop taking all Vitamin D and calcium supplements and seek immediate medical attention upon suspicion of overexposure. Emergency attention is specifically required for progressive or severe hypercalcemia or if life-threatening symptoms, such as seizures or coma, manifest. Management is defined as mainly supportive, involving correction of dehydration and frequent monitoring of serum calcium and kidney function.

Therapeutic Uses of Arachitol

What Arachitol Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Arachitol contains cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes of low vitamin D, which are associated with symptoms related to physical discomfort and functional stress.

Cholecalciferol is primarily indicated for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency. The medication is also relevant for easing the overall symptom burden in conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes, such as osteomalacia (softening of bones in adults) and rickets (in children).

The medicine is applied in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required, and often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable.

“This support helps patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations and assists with maintaining functional stability.”

It is further applied in addressing symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress as a supplement to specific therapy for osteoporosis. This assists with maintaining essential mineral balance, providing support that helps ease the overall symptom load.

Quick Fact: Relief for Symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Contraindicated Populations (Must Not Use)

Arachitol (Colecalciferol) is strictly prohibited for patients with certain pre-existing metabolic and renal conditions, as defined in regulatory labels. These absolute contraindications include:

  • Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels)
  • Hypervitaminosis D (Vitamin D toxicity)
  • Hypercalciuria (high urine calcium levels)
  • Severe Renal Impairment (due to altered drug metabolism)
  • Known Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any excipient.

Age and Condition-Based Restrictions

Eligibility is limited for specific groups as per official regulatory documentation:

  • Pediatric Use: High-strength tablet or capsule formulations are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
  • Conditional Use: Patients with Sarcoidosis or those with a history of kidney stone formation require caution and close monitoring.
  • Specific Conditions: The medicine is not recommended for use in individuals with Pseudohypoparathyroidism.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is permitted to address confirmed deficiency, provided strict regulatory guidance is followed to prevent overdose.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The officially documented interaction profile for Arachitol (Colecalciferol) primarily involves effects on mineral balance, metabolism, and absorption.

Formal Interaction Restrictions

Co-administration with Other Vitamin D Derivatives (such as Calcitriol or Alfacalcidol) is formally prohibited in regulatory documentation due to an additive effect that creates a significant risk of severe hypercalcemia.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Interacting Substance Category Interaction Classification and Outcome
CYP Enzyme Inducers (e.g., Phenytoin, Rifampicin) Pharmacokinetic: These substances increase the metabolic breakdown of Colecalciferol, resulting in a reduction of its systemic exposure and overall activity.
Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) Pharmacodynamic: These medicines reduce the excretion of calcium, leading to an increased risk of hypercalcemia when combined with Colecalciferol.
Cardiac Glycosides (e.g., Digoxin) Pharmacodynamic: The potential for hypercalcemia sensitizes the heart muscle, increasing the risk of arrhythmias and toxicity from the co-administered glycoside.
Systemic Glucocorticoids (Corticosteroids) Exposure Reduction: These agents are documented to counteract the activity of Colecalciferol, thereby reducing its effective biological exposure.

Timing-Based Administration Rules

Colecalciferol must be separated by several hours when co-administered with Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., Cholestyramine) or Mineral Oil. This mandatory timing rule mitigates the absorption interference caused by these products.

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Activation and Receptor Targeting

This drug, a form of cholecalciferol ( vitamin D3), begins its action by being metabolized in the body to its active form, calcitriol. This active molecule then binds to and activates the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor found in cells across various systems, initiating the molecular cascade that dictates the drug’s physiological effects. This activation provides the molecular signal required for the regulation of mineral homeostasis and skeletal structure.


Regulating Mineral Homeostasis and Skeletal Maintenance

The core mechanistic domain involves controlling the body's mineral balance. Activation of the VDR in the intestines and kidneys enhances the absorption and reabsorption of calcium and phosphate. This action contributes to the stabilization of circulating concentrations of these minerals in the bloodstream. By modulating the activity of bone-forming ( osteoblasts) and bone-resorbing ( osteoclasts) cells, the mechanism facilitates the mineralization of the collagen matrix. Furthermore, this influence extends to the modulation of cellular differentiation in non-skeletal tissues, including immune and muscle cells.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Arachitol: Official Administration Patterns

The usage of Arachitol, which contains Colecalciferol (Vitamin D3), follows standardized patterns for administration route, dosing, and schedule. The protocol is typically structured in two phases: an initial course to correct deficiency and a long-term maintenance phase.

Administration Routes and Standard Dosing

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration Primarily Oral (tablets, capsules, solutions). Also available as a Solution for Intramuscular Injection.
Dosing Regimen Treatment (Adults): Commonly 1,000 to 4,000 IU once daily, or 20,000 IU once weekly for 4 to 10 weeks. Maintenance: Typically 800 to 2,000 IU daily.
Frequency Pattern Ranges from Daily (for maintenance) to Weekly or other Intermittent schedules (for deficiency correction).

Contextual Use Requirements

Oral Colecalciferol capsules or softgels are often directed to be taken with the main meal of the day to optimize the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamin. The maximum recommended daily intake for non-treatment use in adults is 4,000 IU.

Achieving the intended physiological response is dependent on the concurrent intake of adequate dietary calcium. Furthermore, dose adjustments are not typically needed for hepatic impairment, but Colecalciferol is generally not recommended in cases of severe renal impairment due to its dependence on kidney function for metabolic activation.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Arachitol (Colecalciferol)


Evidence for Use in Correcting Vitamin D Status

Research into Colecalciferol has consistently utilized Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses to examine Colecalciferol's association with key laboratory markers, such as serum 25( OH) D. These studies were primarily conducted to evaluate the primary biomarker of Vitamin D status. Additional research has explored related outcomes, such as changes in PTH (Parathyroid Hormone) and the absorption of calcium. The populations studied included adults and adolescents who had low baseline levels of 25( OH) D, as well as older individuals and people with certain absorption issues.

The studies monitored observations over defined time intervals, and research describes patterns observed in the studies related to the 25( OH) D biomarker. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to how this marker evolved across various dosing schedules. However, evidence also highlights that there is an ongoing lack of consensus in the research literature regarding the precise optimal target 25( OH) D concentration for all people.


Evidence for Treating Bone Mineralization Conditions (Rickets and Osteomalacia)

Colecalciferol was studied for use in research exploring conditions characterized by severe Vitamin D-related systemic imbalance that can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. The evidence base for these conditions largely relies upon decades of historical studies, clinical case series, and regulatory assessments. This research examined outcomes related to physical discomfort and the resolution of clinical signs associated with these conditions.

Findings indicate that regulatory authority assessments have consistently described Colecalciferol as relevant to research in these conditions. Research describes patterns observed in the studies related to the patterns of bone marker change observed during the study period. The research describes the historical identification of Colecalciferol as a research agent studied in the context of the clinical presentation of rickets and osteomalacia. However, the evidence is limited by a paucity of recent, large-scale, controlled RCTs in many populations.


Evidence as an Adjunct Therapy for Osteoporosis

Colecalciferol was evaluated in large-scale Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comprehensive Systematic Reviews to explore research exploring Colecalciferol's use as a supplement to specific osteoporosis therapy. Research examined high-level outcomes such as the incidence of skeletal fractures (including hip and vertebral) and changes in Bone Mineral Density ( BMD) measurements.

Data show patterns related to mixed findings across these large research efforts. The results apply only to the populations studied and were often heterogeneous regarding Colecalciferol's association with fracture incidence, particularly when administered without calcium. For many large trials examining fracture risk in the general community, findings were mixed when the supplement was used alone.


What is Still Uncertain About Colecalciferol Research

The research landscape highlights several areas where certainty remains low or where more research is needed. A core area of uncertainty involves the ongoing lack of consensus on the optimal concentration of the 25( OH) D biomarker required for all populations. Furthermore, research has explored Colecalciferol's association with fracture incidence, and the findings were mixed across different large trials, particularly when the medicine was used without calcium. This means that comparative evidence is lacking in a consistent way across all combinations of treatment.

Key Studies & References

  1. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation and risk of fractures in people age 50 years and older: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Arachitol (FAQ)

Q: What is the key substance in Arachitol?

According to the official product information, the key substance in Arachitol is Arachitol or Cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is another name for Vitamin D3, which is recognized as an important nutrient for the body's health.

Q: What is the primary function of Arachitol in the body?

Regulatory documents state that the primary function of Arachitol (Cholecalciferol) is to support the body's use of calcium. It is indicated to help maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphate, which are vital for bone structure and density.

Q: Does Arachitol contain Vitamin D2 or D3?

Official information indicates that Arachitol contains Cholecalciferol, which is the chemical name for Vitamin D3. This specific type of Vitamin D is the active component that supports calcium regulation in the body.

Q: Is Arachitol available in different strengths for different needs?

According to the official product information, Arachitol is available in several strengths, including a 60,000 IU format. The various available strengths may support different treatment plans determined by a healthcare professional.

Q: Does taking Arachitol affect how my body uses calcium?

Studies and official information indicate that Arachitol is essential for the body's use of calcium. Its presence helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate absorbed from the diet, which is important for maintaining bone and muscle health.

Q: Can Arachitol be used to treat or prevent osteoporosis?

Regulatory documents state that Arachitol can be used in the management of osteoporosis. It is specifically indicated in cases where this bone condition is caused by or associated with a deficiency of Vitamin D.

Q: Is it safe to take Arachitol if I have a condition called hypercalcemia?

According to the official product information, Arachitol is typically contraindicated if a person has a condition called hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood). This is because Cholecalciferol may affect blood calcium levels, and its use may require medical oversight.

Q: Is Arachitol safe for individuals with kidney stones?

Official information indicates that Arachitol should be used with caution in individuals who have a history of kidney stones. Regulatory information advises caution since Vitamin D is involved in calcium regulation, which is related to stone formation risk.

Q: Is there a maximum daily intake of Arachitol that should not be exceeded?

Regulatory documents state that a total daily dose of 10,000 IU of Vitamin D should generally not be exceeded unless prescribed. Adhering to prescribed limits helps manage the potential risks associated with excessive Vitamin D intake.

Q: Is Arachitol used in children?

Studies and official information confirm that Arachitol is indicated for use in children. It is used specifically for the prevention and treatment of a bone-softening condition called rickets, which is linked to a Vitamin D deficiency in growing children.

How should Arachitol be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Arachitol (Colecalciferol)

The storage and disposal of Arachitol must adhere to specific regulatory conditions to maintain the stability of the Colecalciferol ( Vitamin D3) content.

Storage Requirements

  • Temperature: Store at or below 25 C (77 F), commonly specified as room temperature. Keep the medicine away from excess heat and do not freeze.
  • Protection: The product must be protected from light and moisture. Always store the medicine in its original container and keep the container tightly closed.
  • Child Safety: Arachitol must be stored securely out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal

Expired or unused Arachitol should not be disposed of in household trash or wastewater (flushed down the sink or toilet). For safe and environmentally sound disposal, regulatory guidelines mandate that the product be returned to a pharmacy or an authorized drug take-back collection point.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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