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Ergocalciferol

Generic name: Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). [ER-goe-kal-SIF-e-role]
Brand names: Calcidol, Calciferol, Drisdol, Vitamin D2.
Dosage forms: Oral capsule (50 mcg; 50,000 international units); oral solution (200 mcg/mL).
Drug class: Vitamins

What is Ergocalciferol?

Ergocalciferol contains Vitamin D2. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Ergocalciferol helps treat the condition of hypoparathyroidism (the decreased function of the parathyroid glands). Ergocalciferol can also be utilised to manage the symptoms of rickets (softening of bones due to Vitamin D deficiencies) and low levels of the phosphate found in the blood (hypophosphatemia). Ergocalciferol can be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.

Side Effects of Ergocalciferol

See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic response, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face.

Do not take ergocalciferol and contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

More minor side effects might be more likely, or there may be no side effects whatsoever.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You shouldn't consume ergocalciferol when you've experienced the reaction of an allergy to vitamin D, if you have elevated levels of vitamin D or calcium within your system, or if you have any health condition that makes it difficult for your body to take in nutrients from foods (malabsorption).

Make sure you take only the recommended dose of ergocalciferol. Overdoses can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects.

Before you Take this Drug

It is not recommended to consume ergocalciferol in the event that you've had an allergic reaction or trigger to vitamin D or if you suffer from

  • The high concentrations of vitamin D within the organs (hypervitaminosis D);
  • Excessive levels of calcium present in the blood (hypercalcemia). high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
  • Any medical condition that makes it difficult for your body to take in the nutrients that are present in the food you eat (malabsorption).

Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:

  • Heart disease;
  • Kidney disease kidney disease
  • An electrolyte imbalance.

Certain types of ergocalciferol could contain ingredients that you should be aware of, like soybean or peanut oil sugar, aspartame (phenylalanine), and specific food colorings.onsult your doctor prior to using ergocalciferol in case you suffer from an allergy, diabetes, or Phenylketonuria (PKU).

Too high levels of vitamin D could cause harm to an unborn child, and the dose you take could differ in the course of pregnancy. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or get pregnant while you are taking ergocalciferol.

Ergocalciferol may be found in the milk of a nursing baby and cause adverse reactions in the infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Avoid giving ergocalciferol to a child without a medical recommendation. Your child's dose will be determined by the child's weight, age, and other variables.

How to Take Ergocalciferol?

Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription and go through the entire medication guide or instruction sheet. Make sure you are taking the prescribed dose of ergocalciferol.It's best to take ergocalciferol before eating; however, you can take it either with or without eating. Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Use the dosing needle provided or a dosage measuring device (not an ordinary spoon). You'll require regular medical tests.

The doctor could start to decrease the dosage of ergocalciferol as your condition improves. Be sure to follow the instructions concerning adjusting your dosage. In some cases, there might be a small variance in dosage between doses that are safe and those that pose dangers to this medication. Your doctor will decide the duration of treatment with this medication.

Ergocalciferol could be part of a comprehensive treatment that includes diet modifications and the use of vitamin and calcium supplements. Follow the instructions of your doctor precisely.

Learn about the types of foods that you must eat to be sure you are getting enough vitamin D and calcium from your food. The dosage of ergocalciferol may have to be adjusted when you alter your diet. Keep at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.

What Happens If I Miss the dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. An excessive dose of vitamin D may result in serious or life-threatening adverse effects.

The symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, and thirst; more frequent urination than normal; stiffness, body aches, and confusion.t can also cause irregular heartbeats.

Avoid this

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking any mineral supplements, multivitamins, or antacids in conjunction with ergocalciferol.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Certain medicines can make it more difficult for the body to absorb Vitamin D. If you are taking other medications, you should take your vitamins at least two minutes prior to or two hours after you have taken ergocalciferol.

Inform your doctor about all other medications, including:

  • Diuretic, also known as "water pill".
  • Mineral oil (sometimes used for its laxative properties).

This list is not exhaustive. Other medications can affect ergocalciferol, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are included here.

DRUG STATUS

Availability

Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

CSA Schedule*
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