ERGOCALCIFEROL
17 Aug 2019
Generic Name : ERGOCALCIFEROL (VITAMIN D2)
ABSTRACT –
Ergocalciferol drug is a type of vitamin D which helps the body to absorb more calcium and phosphorous. The medication is used to treat bone diseases like hypoparathyroidism which reduces the functioning of parathyroid glands; rickets which causes vitamin deficiency resulting in bone softening; hypophosphatemia which is caused due to low levels of phosphate in the human blood. Vitamin D is generally made by the body when it is exposed to sunlight. This drug allows bone growth and helps to prevent calcium loss caused due to kidney diseases.
DOSAGE –
-
- Ergocalciferol has to be taken as directed by the doctors.
- Adult and pediatric dosages:
12,000 to 500,000 international units orally daily
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Rashes
- Constipation
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble in breathing
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Itching and swelling (especially in the face/tongue/throat)
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst
- Unusual tiredness
- Increased urination
RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
- Polyuria
- Dwarfism
- Hypertension
- Aches
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Intellectual disability
- Bone demineralization (osteoporosis) in adult
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Calcifediol
- Calcitriol
- Cholecalciferol
- Dihydrotachysterol
- Doxercalciferol
- Erdafitinib
- Paricalcitol
Ergocalciferol has major interactions with 7 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Amobarbital
- Trichlormethiazide
- Rifampin
- Phenobarbital
- Mephobarbital
- Secobarbital
- Sevelamer
- Pentobarbital
- Methyclothiazide
- Digitoxin
- Digoxin
- Felbamate
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Butabarbital
- Calcipotriene topical
- Indapamide
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Calcitriol topical
- Fosphenytoin
Ergocalciferol has moderate interactions with 50 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- This drug contains inactive ingredients which may result in allergic reactions. So a pharmacist must be consulted before consuming it.
- It is utmost necessary to discuss any medical history related to high level of vitamin D, problem in absorbing nutrition from food, kidney diseases and liver diseases.
- The drug is not advised for diabetic patients as liquid medicine might contain sugar.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH ERGOCALCIFEROL:
- Use of Ergocalciferol in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved.
- Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved.
- Do not nurse while on drug course, as this drug may transfer through breast milk and may harm a newborn.
- Large doses of vitamin in maternal women led to hypocalcaemia in infants.
- US recommend daily calcium allowance of 600 international units a day for lactating women.
WARNINGS –
- Avoid the use of this drug in excess of vitamin dose in diet.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.