$Unique_ID{BRK03142}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{ergocalciferol (vitamin D)}
$Subject{Calciferol Schwarz Pharma Kremers-Urban Drisdol Winthrop vitamin D
ergocalciferol rickets hypophosphatemia low blood phosphate hypoparathyroidism
underactive parathyroid gland liver kidney bone tooth blood calcium heart
muscle contraction}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


ergocalciferol (vitamin D)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Calciferol (Schwarz Pharma Kremers-Urban)
     Drisdol (Winthrop)
     vitamin D (various manufacturers)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Vitamin

INGREDIENT

     ergocalciferol

DOSAGE FORMS

     Tablets (50,000 units)
     Capsules (50,000 units)
     Oral liquid (8,000 units per ml) [*]
     * The oral liquid is available without a prescription.

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     Ergocalciferol is used to treat rickets, hypophosphatemia (low blood
levels of phosphate), and hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid gland).
This medication is converted by the liver and kidney to the active form of
vitamin D, a vitamin essential to many body systems (including bone and tooth
structure, regulation of blood calcium levels, and heart and muscle
contraction).

TREATMENT

     Ergocalciferol can be taken either on an empty stomach or with food or
milk (as directed by your doctor).
     Each dose of the oral liquid form of this medication should be measured
carefully with the dropper provided.  The liquid can then be taken directly or
mixed with fruit juice, cereal, or other foods.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     None, at the dosages normally prescribed.

     Major.

     The side effects associated with ergocalciferol therapy are usually the
result of too much medication (vitamin D intoxication).  Tell your doctor
about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome.  IT IS
ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about blurred vision, bone pain,
constipation, dry mouth, headache, increased thirst, increased urination,
irritability, loss of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, mental disorders,
muscle pain, nausea, palpitations, runny nose, vomiting, weakness, or weight
loss.

INTERACTIONS

     Cholestyramine, colestipol, and mineral oil can decrease the absorption
of ergocalciferol from the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing its
effectiveness.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to ergocalciferol (vitamin D), calcitriol,
calcifediol, or dihydrotachysterol.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had heart or blood vessel disease,
hypercalcemia (high blood levels of calcium), hyperphosphatemia (high blood
levels of phosphate), vitamin D intoxication, or sarcoidosis.
     * Before taking any over-the-counter (nonprescription) products that
contain calcium, phosphates, magnesium, or vitamin D, check with your doctor.
These ingredients can increase the side effects of ergocalciferol.
     * Some forms of this medication contain the color additive FD&C Yellow
No. 5 (tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type symptoms (fainting,
shortness of breath, rash) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although the effects
of this medication have not been thoroughly studied during human pregnancy,
animal studies have shown that this medication can cause side effects to the
fetus if given to the mother in large doses during pregnancy.  Tell your
doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known if this drug
passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.