What is Calcidol?
Calcidol contains vitamin D2.Vitamin D is vital in calcium absorption. Calcidol can be used to treat hyperparathyroidism. Calcidol can also be used to treat rickets (softening in the bones due to vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate (hypophosphatemia). Calcidol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Calcidol
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to face lips throat
Calcidol should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- Are You Short of Breath and Have Chest Pain
- Growth problems in a child who is taking Calcidol;
- Early signs of a vitamin D overdose include weakness, weight loss, muscle or bone pains, constipation, and vomiting.
You may experience less serious side effects or none at all. There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For advice regarding adverse reactions. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Calcidol should not be taken if you are allergic to vitamin D or have high calcium or vitamin D levels in your body. It is also not recommended if your body has a condition called malabsorption, which makes it difficult for you to absorb nutrients. Only use the recommended dosage of ergocalciferol. A dose that is too high can cause life-threatening or serious side effects.
Before you take this drug
Calcidol should not be taken if:
- Hypervitaminosis
- Hypercalcemia is a condition where there are high calcium levels in the blood.
- Malabsorption is a condition where your body has difficulty absorbing nutrients from food.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- An electrolyte imbalance.
Ask your doctor before using Calcidol if you have allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU). Before using Calcidol, consult your doctor if you suffer from allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria. Too little vitamin D can harm an unborn child. Your dose requirements may change during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Calcidol. Ergocalciferol may pass into breastmilk and cause side effects for the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility. Do not give calcidol without consulting a doctor. The dose for your child will vary depending on their age, weight, diet, and other factors.
How to take Calcidol?
Read all instructions and directives associated with your medication carefully. Only use the recommended dosage of ergocalciferol. Calcidol is best taken after eating, but it can be taken with or without food. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Medical tests will be required frequently. Your doctor may begin to reduce your Calcidol dose as your condition improves. Be sure to follow the instructions for adjusting your dosage. You will be told by your doctor for how long you should take this medication. Calcidol is only one part of an overall treatment plan that may include dietary changes, calcium and vitamin supplementation, and other treatments. You should follow your doctor's advice. Find out what foods to eat in order to get enough vitamin D and calcium. You may need to adjust your caffeine dosage as you change your diet. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A vitamin D overdose can have serious and life-threatening effects. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or thirst, urinating less or more than usual, body pains, stiffness, or confusion.
What should be avoided?
Before taking Calcidol, consult your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you may be taking, such as multivitamins or mineral supplements.
Interaction with other drug
Calcidol should be taken at least two hours before or after other medications.
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- A diuretic, or "water pill,"
- Mineral oils.
This list is incomplete. Calcidol may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
