Drisdol

Q: What is Drisdol used to treat?

<p>Drisdol capsules contain a synthetic form of <a href="https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/vitamin-d">vitamin d</a>, which is used to treat deficiency in parathyroid hormone levels. This can result in deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus, as well as refractory rickets (a condition where the body does not absorb vitamin D properly). This medication is also used to treat phosphate deficiency that is passed down in families.</p>

Hypoparathyroidism, dietary supplementation, Phosphaturia + 3 more

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

5 Active Studies for Drisdol

Treatment for

Hypoparathyroidism

What is Drisdol

Ergocalciferol

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ergocalciferol is a synthetic form of Vitamin D that is created by plants when exposed to UVB light. It was first discovered in 1931 and was used to treat Vitamin D deficiencies, which can cause rickets. Ergocalciferol is different from other forms of Vitamin D in that it has a double bond between C22 and C23 and a methyl group at C24. This affects how it binds to proteins, how quickly it is broken down, and how fast it is cleared from the body. The first product containing ergocalciferol was approved by the FDA in 1941.

Drisdol

is the brand name

Drisdol Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Drisdol

Ergocalciferol

1974

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Ergocalciferol, also called Drisdol, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses which include Rickets and Phosphaturia .

Rickets

Phosphaturia

Hypoparathyroidism

Vitamin D Resistant Rickets

Hypophosphatemia, Familial

Effectiveness

How Drisdol Affects Patients

Ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D2, helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health. It also supports other processes in the body, such as cell growth and fetus development. However, ergocalciferol is not as strong as its counterpart, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), in terms of absorbing minerals. Studies have found that taking ergocalciferol can help improve bone and mineral metabolism, glucose levels, albumin levels, and inflammation in people with end-stage kidney disease.

How Drisdol works in the body

Ergocalciferol is changed into its active form when it enters the body. This form then binds to its target, the vitamin D receptor. This activates the vitamin D endocrine system, and makes changes to certain genes in the DNA, called vitamin D response elements. The vitamin D receptor is a type of protein that helps control these elements and is part of the steroid hormone family. Ergocalciferol also helps with calcium absorption in the intestines.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Drisdol is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, including dietary supplementation, Phosphaturia and Deficiency, Vitamin A. The magnitude of dosage is contingent upon the procedure of delivery (e.g. Oral or Liquid) featured in the table underneath.

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 - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, Tablet - Oral, Solution / drops - Oral, Solution / drops, Tablet, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Parenteral, Solution - Parenteral, Solution - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Kit, Liquid - Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, effervescent - Oral, Tablet, effervescent, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, extended release

Hypoparathyroidism

dietary supplementation

Phosphaturia

Vitamin D Deficiency

Rickets

Warnings

Drisdol has four counter-indications, so it should not be utilized when confronted with any of the conditions in the following table.

Drisdol Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Malabsorption Syndrome

Do Not Combine

Hypercalcemia

Do Not Combine

Hypervitaminosis D

Do Not Combine

Hypersensitivity

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Drisdol.

Common Drisdol 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.

Drisdol Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The most toxic dose of ergocalciferol that has been reported in rats is 10mg/kg. Overdosing may cause hypervitaminosis, which is an excessive amount of vitamin D in the body, and can lead to symptoms such as high calcium levels, kidney impairment, calcification of tissues, slower growth rate, and increased bone mineralization. To treat an overdose state, vitamin D should be stopped immediately and the patient should have a calcium-rich diet and plenty of fluids. Other treatments may include diuretics, dialysis, citrates, sulfates, phosphates, corticosteroids, EDTA,

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Drisdol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Drisdol?

6 active studies are currently assessing the capacity of Drisdol to serve as a dietary supplement as well as a potential remedy for Hypoparathyroidism and Phosphaturia.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

dietary supplementation

0 Actively Recruiting

Rickets

2 Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1, Not Applicable

Hypoparathyroidism

3 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1

Vitamin D Deficiency

0 Actively Recruiting

Phosphaturia

0 Actively Recruiting

Vitamin A Deficiency

0 Actively Recruiting

Drisdol Reviews: What are patients saying about Drisdol?

Patient Review

1/5/2014

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

This medication really helped with my seasonal depression. I noticed a difference within weeks of starting it, and friends and family members commented on the change in my mood. Once I finished the prescribed dosage, however, my depression returned. I'm making an appointment with my doctor to discuss going back on the medication until spring.

Patient Review

1/23/2012

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

I took this medication for 8 months as directed by my doctor. I started at a low dose and worked my way up over the course of several weeks/months. I had a good experience with it and would recommend it to anyone who needs to bring their number up.

Patient Review

11/3/2014

Drisdol for Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency

Within the first week of treatment, I saw a remarkable difference in the pain I was experiencing from spondylitis. Additionally, my feet - which have always been dry and cracked - became softer. I'm very pleased with these results and plan to continue this medication long-term.

4.3

Patient Review

6/30/2013

Drisdol for Low Amount of Calcium in the Blood

I've been on Drisdol 50000U once weekly for over six months now. I've had bone and joint pain in both legs but attributed it to my arthritis. Now after reading all the comments, I wonder if some of the pain has been caused by this supplementation. Interesting.

4.3

Patient Review

4/10/2012

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

At first, the prescription said to take it daily. However, I started having spasms in my ribs that made it impossible to soothe them. Now I only take the Rx once a month, but still experience the spasms for about a week or two afterwards.

Patient Review

5/15/2014

Drisdol for Osteoporosis

This sacroiliac block really helped me out. I highly recommend it to anyone who's dealing with similar pain issues. The Vitamin D has also been great, and I'm feeling much better overall.

Patient Review

4/16/2012

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

I didn't really experience any results from this treatment, but I did get a rash.

3.7

Patient Review

1/27/2013

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

I am currently on week six of a twenty-week treatment of Vit D2, which I take once weekly. Recently, I have been experiencing aches and bone pain from my waist down, particularly in both knees. If anyone else is having similar issues, please let me know. I am using a heating pad for the time being but will be contacting my doctor in the morning.

Patient Review

3/11/2014

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

I'm giving this treatment a try with my daughter who has hyperthyroidism. So far, she's only complained of thirstiness. If anyone has experience using this medication on children, I'd love to hear about it.

1.7

Patient Review

4/21/2013

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

I started taking this medication three weeks ago and have since then experienced severe stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, and yellowing of the eyes.

1.7

Patient Review

6/7/2015

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency (High Dose Therapy)

I was prescribed 50,000 iu of this medication to take once a week. The first time I took it, I had such bad anxiety for over a week until it got out of my system. I'm not taking it again; I may try a lower dose from the drugstore daily instead. It was a horrific experience!

Patient Review

3/24/2013

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

I stopped taking this after only three weeks because it was causing me mood swings and I lost my appetite. Plus, it also gave me chest pains.

Patient Review

10/20/2011

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency

I am 62 and I was recently prescribed Drisdol (Ergocalcifer 50000units). After reading all of the horror stories about this vitamin, I am terrified to take it. Does anyone have any thoughts? Thank you!

Patient Review

2/26/2021

Drisdol for Vitamin D Deficiency (High Dose Therapy)

After taking this for only four weeks (I was prescribed it for twelve), I started seeing a lot of negative side effects. These included fatigue, back pain, decreased appetite, stomach pain, and joint pain. Needless to say, I won't be using this medication any longer.

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about drisdol

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What are the side effects of 50000 units of vitamin D2?

"If your calcium or vitamin d levels are too high, you may experience nausea, weight loss, muscle weakness or stiffness, constipation, and difficulty urinating. If left untreated, high calcium or vitamin D levels can damage your kidneys."

Answered by AI

What is Drisdol 50000 used for?

"Drisdol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism, rickets, and low levels of phosphate in the blood."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Drisdol?

"The following are early signs of vitamin d overdose: thinking problems, changes in behavior, feeling irritable, urinating more than usual, chest pain, feeling short of breath, weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting."

Answered by AI

What is Drisdol used to treat?

"Drisdol capsules contain a synthetic form of vitamin d, which is used to treat deficiency in parathyroid hormone levels. This can result in deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus, as well as refractory rickets (a condition where the body does not absorb vitamin D properly). This medication is also used to treat phosphate deficiency that is passed down in families."

Answered by AI