Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol)

Strength(s) of medication/Dosage form(s) available

-Capsules: 1.25 mg (50,000 IU) -Drops: 200 IU per drop (8,000 IU/mL)

Contraindications

-Hypercalcemia malabsorption syndrome -Hypervitaminosis D -Hypersensitivity to Vitamin D -Dosage levels must be individualized -Adequate dietary calcium is necessary for clinical response to vitamin D therapy

Patient Counseling

-Maybe be taken without regard to meals -Closely follow prescribed calcium supplementation -Do not exceed prescribed dose -Contact a physician if side effects are severe or persistent -Store in a cool, dry place away from any light and children -If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule

Side effects/adverse effects

-Therapeutic range is very narrow -Toxic doses may result in impairment of renal function, mental retardations, bone demineralization, calcification of the soft tissues, nausea, anorexia, constipation, anemia, and wight loss -*Frequency not defined*

Pharmacology (Mechanism of Action)

-Vitamin D is essential for the proper regulation of calcium in the plasma and the activity of the parathyroid hormone -Involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous from the small intestine thereby providing the necessary levels of calcium and phosphate in the plasma to promote bone mineralization

Dosing

1. Rickets: 12,000 - 500,000 IU daily 2. Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000 - 200,000 IU daily (with calcium lactate 4 grams six times daily 3. Vitamin D deficiency: *50,000 IU weekly for eight weeks* with supplemental calcium followed by 1,000 IU daily with supplemental calcium

Brand

Drisdol

Generic

Ergocalciferol

Drug interactions

Mineral oil interferes with the absorption

Medication class

Vitamin

Indications

1. For the treatment of refractory rickets, also known as Vitamin D resistant rickets 2. For the treatment of hypoparathyroidism 3. For the treatment of vitamin D deficiency in adults (*Non-FDA approved*)