Ergocalciferol

💊 What is Ergocalciferol used for?

• •Hypoparathyroidism (a condition where the parathyroid glands make too little parathyroid hormone)
• •Refractory rickets, also called vitamin D resistant rickets
• •Familial hypophosphatemia (low phosphate levels that run in families)

How it works

The label describes ergocalciferol as a synthetic calcium regulator. It is a form of vitamin D, which the body uses to manage calcium and phosphorus. The label does not describe the exact mechanism in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •Ergocalciferol is taken by mouth as a capsule. The label says the dose must be individualized under close medical supervision, because the range between therapeutic and toxic doses is narrow. Blood calcium and phosphorus levels are checked about every 2 weeks, or more often if needed. Bone X-rays are taken about every month until the condition is corrected and stable. The label also says adequate dietary calcium is needed for the medicine to work well.

Comes as

• •Soft gelatin capsules, 1.25 mg (equivalent to 50,000 USP Units) of vitamin D (ergocalciferol) per capsule
• •Green, oval, transparent capsules imprinted with '194'
• •Sold in bottles of 50 or 100 capsules

⚠️ Ergocalciferol side effects

🛑 Who should not take Ergocalciferol, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have hypercalcemia (high blood calcium).
• 🚨You have malabsorption syndrome (a condition where the body has trouble absorbing nutrients).
• 🚨You have an abnormal sensitivity to the toxic effects of vitamin D.
• 🚨You have hypervitaminosis D (too much vitamin D in the body).
• 🚨The label also says that infants with idiopathic hypercalcemia may have vitamin D strictly restricted, and that children should be kept out of reach.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •The label says the range between helpful and harmful doses is narrow, so use only under close medical supervision.
• •Your doctor will monitor your blood calcium and phosphorus and may order bone X-rays during treatment.
• •Vitamin D from fortified foods, dietary supplements, and other prescription or over-the-counter sources should be considered.
• •The capsules contain FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which may cause allergic-type reactions, including bronchial asthma. The label notes this is often seen in people who also have aspirin hypersensitivity.
• •The label says the medicine should be protected from light.
• •The label says that for older adults, doses are usually chosen cautiously because of possible reduced liver, kidney, or heart function, other illnesses, or other medicines.
• •Tell your doctor about all your medicines, including any that interact with vitamin D (see the interactions section).

🔀 Ergocalciferol with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Mineral oil: interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D.
• •Thiazide diuretics (water pills): in people with hypoparathyroidism taking ergocalciferol, these may cause high blood calcium (hypercalcemia).
• •Other drugs that affect calcium or vitamin D may also matter. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your full medicine list.

Alcohol and food

The label says adequate dietary calcium is necessary for the medicine to work. It does not give other food or alcohol guidance.

🤰 Ergocalciferol in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says animal studies showed fetal abnormalities linked to too much vitamin D. It says vitamin D above the recommended dietary allowance should be avoided during normal pregnancy unless a physician judges that the benefits outweigh the significant risks in a specific case. It also says safety above the recommended dietary allowance during pregnancy has not been established.

Breastfeeding

The label says caution should be used when giving this medicine to a nursing woman. In one case, a mother given large doses of vitamin D passed a related compound into her milk, which caused high calcium in her child. The label says the infant's calcium level must be monitored in that case.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at room temperature, between 68 and 77°F (20 to 25°C). Protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says the effects of vitamin D can last two months or longer after treatment stops. Too much vitamin D can cause high blood calcium, with nausea, weakness, weight loss, vague aches, constipation, anemia, and mild acidosis. It can also cause kidney damage, widespread calcium build-up in soft tissues, bone thinning in adults, and slowed growth or bone problems in children. The label says kidney damage may be irreversible and may result in death. Seek emergency medical care right away if an overdose is suspected.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Ergocalciferol

• Why am I being treated with ergocalciferol, and how long will I need it?
• How often will I need blood tests and bone X-rays while I take it?
• Are there other vitamin D or calcium supplements I should avoid?
• Which of my current medicines could interact with this one, such as water pills or mineral oil?
• Am I allergic to FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) or to aspirin?
• What signs of too much vitamin D should I watch for, and who should I call?
• Does my pregnancy or breastfeeding status change how this medicine should be used?

❓ Ergocalciferol: frequently asked questions