Ergocalciferol

Q: What is ergocalciferol side effects?

<p>Ergocalciferol may cause chest <a href="https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/pain">pain</a>, feeling short of breath, growth problems in children, or early signs of <a href="https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/vitamin-d">vitamin d</a> overdose such as weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, <a href="https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/weight-loss">weight loss</a>, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.</p>

Hypoparathyroidism, dietary supplementation, Phosphaturia + 3 more

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

5 Active Studies for Ergocalciferol

Treatment for

Hypoparathyroidism

What is Ergocalciferol

Ergocalciferol

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ergocalciferol 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.

Drisdol

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Ergocalciferol 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 Ergocalciferol Affects Patients

Ergocalciferol 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 body

Ergocalciferol 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 - 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

Ergocalciferol 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 Ergocalciferol.

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 Risk

An 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.

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

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

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

Ergocalciferol Reviews: What are patients saying about Ergocalciferol?

Patient Review

7/1/2017

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency (High Dose Therapy)

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.

Patient Review

5/14/2015

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency (High Dose Therapy)

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.

3.7

Patient Review

5/17/2019

Ergocalciferol for Osteoporosis

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

3.7

Patient Review

2/1/2013

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency

3.7

Patient Review

4/14/2019

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency

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.

Patient Review

3/17/2022

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency

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.

Patient Review

2/2/2014

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency

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?

2.7

Patient Review

7/21/2015

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency (High Dose Therapy)

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.

2.7

Patient Review

11/2/2013

Ergocalciferol for Osteoporosis

I've only been taking this medication for a short time, but it's already helping my HIV treatment.

2.3

Patient Review

1/6/2017

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency

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.

2.3

Patient Review

6/1/2017

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency (High Dose Therapy)

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.

Patient Review

6/16/2016

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency (High Dose Therapy)

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.

Patient Review

3/12/2021

Ergocalciferol for Prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency

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.

Patient Review

1/3/2015

Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency

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.

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

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