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What is Ergocalciferol
ErgocalciferolThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryErgocalciferol is a form of vitamin D analog. It is produced in plants when exposed to UVB light, and was discovered in 1931. Ergocalciferol is different from other forms of vitamin D because it has a double bond between two carbon atoms and a methyl group in a specific place. This makes it easier for the body to clear the vitamin D, and it also affects how the body breaks down the vitamin D. Ergocalciferol was approved for use by the FDA in 1941.
Drisdolis the brand name
Ergocalciferol Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Drisdol
Ergocalciferol
1974
97
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Ergocalciferol, also called Drisdol, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses which include Hypoparathyroidism and Rickets .Hypoparathyroidism
Rickets
Phosphaturia
Effectiveness
How Ergocalciferol Affects PatientsErgocalciferol is a form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food, as well as aiding in fetal development, immune function, and cell growth and differentiation. Compared to cholecalciferol, another form of vitamin D, ergocalciferol has a weaker effect. People with end-stage kidney disease have been shown to benefit from taking ergocalciferol, as it helps improve their bone and mineral metabolism, blood sugar levels, and inflammation.
How Ergocalciferol works in the bodyErgocalciferol is the active form of vitamin D. It needs to be changed in the body to work properly, and transported to certain organs so it can bind to its target, the vitamin D receptor. This binding has two effects: it changes how certain genes act, and it stimulates calcium transport in the intestines.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dosage of Ergocalciferol is contingent upon the recognized condition, including dietary supplementation, Phosphaturia and Deficiency, Vitamin A. The measure of dosage differs, in accordance with the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Liquid) indicated in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Vitamin A Deficiency
, 1.25 mg, 50000.0 units, 200.0 units, 400.0 units, 135.0 units, 100.0 units, 2000.0 units, 125.0 units, 8000.0 units/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 400.0 [iU], 0.005 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 500.0 [iU], 8000.0 [iU]/mL, 1000.0 units, 200.0 units/mL, 40.0 units/mL, 4000.0 units/mL, 666.0 units/mL, 80.0 units/mL, 2.0 units/mL
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Solution - Parenteral, Parenteral, Solution - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Kit, Liquid - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Hypoparathyroidism
, 1.25 mg, 50000.0 units, 200.0 units, 400.0 units, 135.0 units, 100.0 units, 2000.0 units, 125.0 units, 8000.0 units/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 400.0 [iU], 0.005 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 500.0 [iU], 8000.0 [iU]/mL, 1000.0 units, 200.0 units/mL, 40.0 units/mL, 4000.0 units/mL, 666.0 units/mL, 80.0 units/mL, 2.0 units/mL
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Solution - Parenteral, Parenteral, Solution - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Kit, Liquid - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral
dietary supplementation
, 1.25 mg, 50000.0 units, 200.0 units, 400.0 units, 135.0 units, 100.0 units, 2000.0 units, 125.0 units, 8000.0 units/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 400.0 [iU], 0.005 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 500.0 [iU], 8000.0 [iU]/mL, 1000.0 units, 200.0 units/mL, 40.0 units/mL, 4000.0 units/mL, 666.0 units/mL, 80.0 units/mL, 2.0 units/mL
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Solution - Parenteral, Parenteral, Solution - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Kit, Liquid - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Phosphaturia
, 1.25 mg, 50000.0 units, 200.0 units, 400.0 units, 135.0 units, 100.0 units, 2000.0 units, 125.0 units, 8000.0 units/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 400.0 [iU], 0.005 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 500.0 [iU], 8000.0 [iU]/mL, 1000.0 units, 200.0 units/mL, 40.0 units/mL, 4000.0 units/mL, 666.0 units/mL, 80.0 units/mL, 2.0 units/mL
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Solution - Parenteral, Parenteral, Solution - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Kit, Liquid - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Vitamin D Deficiency
, 1.25 mg, 50000.0 units, 200.0 units, 400.0 units, 135.0 units, 100.0 units, 2000.0 units, 125.0 units, 8000.0 units/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 400.0 [iU], 0.005 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 500.0 [iU], 8000.0 [iU]/mL, 1000.0 units, 200.0 units/mL, 40.0 units/mL, 4000.0 units/mL, 666.0 units/mL, 80.0 units/mL, 2.0 units/mL
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Solution - Parenteral, Parenteral, Solution - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Kit, Liquid - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Rickets
, 1.25 mg, 50000.0 units, 200.0 units, 400.0 units, 135.0 units, 100.0 units, 2000.0 units, 125.0 units, 8000.0 units/mL, 100.0 mg, 0.01 mg/mL, 400.0 [iU], 0.005 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 500.0 [iU], 8000.0 [iU]/mL, 1000.0 units, 200.0 units/mL, 40.0 units/mL, 4000.0 units/mL, 666.0 units/mL, 80.0 units/mL, 2.0 units/mL
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Solution / drops, Solution / drops - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Solution - Parenteral, Parenteral, Solution - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Kit, Liquid - Intravenous, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, effervescent - Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Ergocalciferol ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Malabsorption Syndrome
Do Not Combine
Hypercalcemia
Do Not Combine
Hypervitaminosis D
Do Not Combine
Hypersensitivity
Do Not Combine
Common Ergocalciferol Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Sucralfate
Major
The serum concentration of Sucralfate can be increased when it is combined with Ergocalciferol.
1alpha,24S-Dihydroxyvitamin D2
Moderate
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Ergocalciferol is combined with 1alpha,24S-Dihydroxyvitamin D2.
1alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D5
Moderate
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Ergocalciferol is combined with 1alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D5.
Acetyldigitoxin
Moderate
The risk or severity of ventricular arrhythmias and Cardiac Arrhythmia can be increased when Ergocalciferol is combined with Acetyldigitoxin.
Acetyldigoxin
Moderate
The risk or severity of ventricular arrhythmias and Cardiac Arrhythmia can be increased when Ergocalciferol is combined with Acetyldigoxin.
Ergocalciferol Toxicity & Overdose RiskAn overdose of ergocalciferol can cause hypervitaminosis, leading to high calcium levels, weakened kidney function, calcification of the tissues, slower growth, and increased bone mineralization. To treat an overdose, vitamin D should be stopped and a calcium-rich diet should be consumed along with plenty of fluids. Loop diuretics may be used to increase calcium excretion, while dialysis and other treatments may be recommended as well. There have not yet been any long-term studies on the cancer-causing or gene-altering effects of ergocalciferol or its effects on fertility.
Ergocalciferol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ergocalciferol?
Presently, 6 clinical trials are under way to assess the potential of Ergocalciferol to supplement diets, ameliorate Hypoparathyroidism and reduce Phosphaturia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
dietary supplementation
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Rickets
6 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Hypoparathyroidism
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Vitamin D Deficiency
0 Actively Recruiting
Phosphaturia
0 Actively Recruiting
Vitamin A Deficiency
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Ergocalciferol Reviews: What are patients saying about Ergocalciferol?
5Patient Review
7/1/2017 I was really deficient in Vitamin D and this treatment has done wonders for me. My energy is up and my joint pain has gone down significantly.
5Patient Review
5/14/2015 I've been taking Vitamin D2 for a couple months now and my levels have increased noticeably. I did start experiencing some low back pain, but I'm not sure if that's related or not.
3.7Patient Review
5/17/2019 Note that D2 and D3 are NOT the same and have different uses. High levels of D2 (50,000) are tolerated and are used to increase calcium intake by bones. D3, often used for psoriasis should be a lower dose. D3 also produced by sunlight, approx. 10,000 iu with 10min of half body sun exposure according to Dr. H., a physiologist
3.7Patient Review
2/1/20133.7Patient Review
4/14/2019 I'm wondering why doctors prescribe D2 when D3 is more easily absorbed and actually effective. You can buy it anywhere too, which is great. I'll be trying out the supplements and will report back on how they work.
3Patient Review
3/17/2022 I started taking this vitamin D2 supplement after noticing my nails were yellow. I was worried about potential liver or kidney damage, but it turns out I was just deficient in Vitamin D2! I'm on a 84 day course of treatment where I take one pill per week and so far (3/17/2022) the results have been good.
3Patient Review
2/2/2014 I've been receiving this treatment for a little while now, and I have not seen an improvement. If anything, my lower back has been hurting more since I started the regimen. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?
2.7Patient Review
7/21/2015 I've used this medication a few times for Vitamin D deficiency. It does improve the level, but usually not enough to get to the minimum recommended amount. The side effects I experienced were headaches and dizziness.
2.7Patient Review
11/2/2013 I've only been taking this medication for a short time, but it's already helping my HIV treatment.
2.3Patient Review
1/6/2017 I took egocalciferol weekly for eight weeks with little improvement noted at follow-up labs. I'm currently on my second course of treatment and have noticed a weird side effect of loss of taste.
2.3Patient Review
6/1/2017 I took 50,000 units of this once a week for three months. My Vit D level increased slightly, but it still didn't meet the minimum "normal" range. I also experienced sharp, stabbing pain in my toes and calf muscles during this time.
2Patient Review
6/16/2016 I took 50,000 units once a week for six months. Dit D level increased slightly, but I experienced sharp pain in my toes and calf of legs.
1Patient Review
3/12/2021 I had no idea that this drug would cause such severe back pain and muscle spasms. I was forced to stay in bed for five days as a result. Do not make the same mistake I did-- research Vitamin D deficiency treatments before starting anything.
1Patient Review
1/3/2015 My doctor ordered a blood test which showed that I had severely low levels of Vitamin D. She prescribed 50,000 units to be taken twice a week for two months. I just took my second dose and experienced nausea and severe muscle pain. I was also diagnosed with the flu, so it's possible that the pill wasn't the cause of these symptoms. I'm going to try it again and see what happens.
Patient Q&A Section about ergocalciferol
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is ergocalciferol same as vitamin D3?
"Vitamin D3 is created in the human body in response to sunlight, and is also available through dietary sources, such as fish. Vitamin D2 is not created in the human body, but is made by exposing certain plant-derived materials to ultraviolet light."
Answered by AI
What is ergocalciferol used to treat?
"Ergocalciferol is used to treat a lack of parathyroid hormone, refractory rickets, and a familial form of rickets or osteomalacia."
Answered by AI
What is ergocalciferol side effects?
"Ergocalciferol may cause chest pain, feeling short of breath, growth problems in children, or early signs of vitamin d overdose such as weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting."
Answered by AI