Ergocalciferol

Hypoparathyroidism, dietary supplementation, Phosphaturia + 3 more
Treatment
6 FDA approvals
7 Active Studies for Ergocalciferol

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
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
97

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
Hypoparathyroidism
Vitamin D Resistant Rickets
Hypophosphatemia, Familial

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 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 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.
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
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Rickets
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2
Hypoparathyroidism
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Vitamin D Deficiency
0 Actively Recruiting
Phosphaturia
0 Actively Recruiting
Vitamin A Deficiency
0 Actively Recruiting

Ergocalciferol Reviews: What are patients saying about Ergocalciferol?

5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
3.7Patient 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
3.7Patient Review
2/1/2013
Ergocalciferol for Vitamin D Deficiency
3.7Patient 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.
View All Reviews
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

Clinical Trials for Ergocalciferol

Have you considered Ergocalciferol clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Ergocalciferol, we think they might fit your search criteria.