Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)

Generic Name: ergocalciferol (vitamin d2)

Provitamin D2 Compound [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)

Description Section DESCRIPTION Ergocalciferol Capsules, USP is a synthetic calcium regulator for oral administration. Ergocalciferol is a white, colorless crystal, insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, and slightly soluble in vegetable oils. It is affected by air and by light. Ergosterol or provitamin D2 is found in plants and yeast and has no antirachitic activity.

Overview

Description Section DESCRIPTION Ergocalciferol Capsules, USP is a synthetic calcium regulator for oral administration. Ergocalciferol is a white, colorless crystal, insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, and slightly soluble in vegetable oils. It is affected by air and by light. Ergosterol or provitamin D2 is found in plants and yeast and has no antirachitic activity.

Uses

Indications and Usage Section Ergocalciferol Capsules are indicated for use in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, refractory rickets, also known as vitamin D resistant rickets, and familial hypophosphatemia.

Dosage

Dosage and Administration Section DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION THE RANGE BETWEEN THERAPEUTIC AND TOXIC DOSES IS NARROW. Vitamin D Resistant Rickets: 12,000 to 500,000 IU units daily. Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000 to 200,000 IU units daily concomitantly with calcium lactate 4 g, six times per day. DOSAGE MUST BE INDIVIDUALIZED UNDER CLOSE MEDICAL SUPERVISION. Calcium intake should be adequate. Blood calcium and phosphorus determinations must be made every 2 weeks or more frequently if necessary. X-rays of the bones should be taken every month until condition is corrected and stabilized.

Side Effects

Adverse Reactions Hypervitaminosis D is characterized by effects on the following organ system: Renal: Impairment of renal function with polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, hypercalciuria, reversible azotemia, hypertension, nephrocalcinosis, generalized vascular calcification, or irreversible renal insufficiency which may result in death. CNS: Mental retardation. Soft Tissues: Widespread calcification of the soft tissues, including the heart, blood vessels, renal tubules, and lungs. Skeletal: Bone demineralization (osteoporosis) in adults occurs concomitantly. Decline in the average rate of linear growth and increased mineralization of bones in infants and children (dwarfism) vague aches, stiffness, and weakness. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, anorexia, constipation.

Warnings

Warnings and Precautions Hypersensitivity to vitamin D may be one etiologic factor in infants with idiopathic hypercalcemia. In these cases vitamin D must be strictly restricted. Keep out of the reach of children. General Vitamin D administration from fortified foods, dietarysupplements, self-administered and prescription drug sources should be evaluated. Therapeutic dosage should be readjusted as soon as there is clinical improvement. Dosage levels must be individualized and great care exercised to prevent serious toxic effects. IN VITAMIN D RESISTANT RICKETS THE RANGE BETWEEN THERAPEUTIC AND TOXIC DOSES IS NARROW. When high therapeutic doses are used progress should be followed with frequent blood calcium determinations. Contraindications Ergocalciferol Capsules are contraindicated in patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, abnormal sensitivity to the toxic effects of vitamin D, and hypervitaminosis D.

Storage

How Supplied/Storage and Handling Capsules of 1.25 mg (50,000 IU vitamin D) of ergocalciferol, USP are clear green oval softgel capsules filled with a clear to pale yellow Bottles of 12 Capsules NDC: 80425-0130-03 Store at 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° - 30°C (59° - 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature] Protect from light and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) used for?

Indications and Usage Section Ergocalciferol Capsules are indicated for use in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, refractory rickets, also known as vitamin D resistant rickets, and familial hypophosphatemia.

What are the side effects of Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?

Adverse Reactions Hypervitaminosis D is characterized by effects on the following organ system: Renal: Impairment of renal function with polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, hypercalciuria, reversible azotemia, hypertension, nephrocalcinosis, generalized vascular calcification, or irreversible renal insufficiency which may result in death. CNS: Mental retardation. Soft Tissues: Widespread calcification of the soft tissues, including the heart, blood vessels, renal tubules, and lungs. Skeletal: Bone demineralization (osteoporosis) in adults occurs concomitantly. Decline in the average rate of linear growth and increased mineralization of bones in infants and children (dwarfism) vague aches, stiffness, and weakness. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, anorexia, constipation.

What are the important warnings for Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)?

Warnings and Precautions Hypersensitivity to vitamin D may be one etiologic factor in infants with idiopathic hypercalcemia. In these cases vitamin D must be strictly restricted. Keep out of the reach of children. General Vitamin D administration from fortified foods, dietarysupplements, self-administered and prescription drug sources should be evaluated. Therapeutic dosage should be readjusted as soon as there is clinical improvement. Dosage levels must be individualized and great care exercised to prevent serious toxic effects. IN VITAMIN D RESISTANT RICKETS THE RANGE BETWEEN THERAPEUTIC AND TOXIC DOSES IS NARROW. When high therapeutic doses are used progress should be followed with frequent blood calcium determinations. Contraindications Ergocalciferol Capsules are contraindicated in patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, abnormal sensitivity to the toxic effects of vitamin D, and hypervitaminosis D.

Related Medications

Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.