Generic Name: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) (ER goe kal SIF e role)
Brand Names: Calciferol, Drisdol, Vitamin D
What is ergocalciferol?
Ergocalciferol is vitamin D2. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Ergocalciferol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands).
Ergocalciferol is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia).
Ergocalciferol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ergocalciferol?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood, or if you have any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
Before taking ergocalciferol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or dyes, or if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, or an electrolyte imbalance.
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ergocalciferol?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D); or
any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take ergocalciferol:
heart disease;
coronary artery disease;
kidney disease; or
an electrolyte imbalance.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ergocalciferol is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Ergocalciferol passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take ergocalciferol?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need x-rays. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Ergocalciferol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include other medications and a special diet. It is very important to follow the medication and diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking ergocalciferol?
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends.
Ergocalciferol side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking ergocalciferol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
thinking problems, changes in behavior, feeling irritable;
urinating more than usual;
chest pain, feeling short of breath; or
early signs of vitamin D overdose (weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect ergocalciferol?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
sucralfate (Carafate);
mineral oil (sometimes taken as a laxative);
seizure medication;
steroids (prednisone and others);
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor HCT, Vasoretic, Zestoretic), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with ergocalciferol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Vitamin D resources
- Vitamin D Side Effects (in more detail)
- Vitamin D Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Vitamin D Drug Interactions
- Vitamin D Support Group
- 4 Reviews for Vitamin D - Add your own review/rating
- DHT Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Compare Vitamin D with other medications
- Familial Hypophosphatemia
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Hypophosphatemia
- Osteomalacia
- Renal Osteodystrophy
- Rickets
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation and Deficiency
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about ergocalciferol.
See also: Vitamin D side effects (in more detail)
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