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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › VITAMINS › VITAMIN A AND D, INCL. COMBINATIONS OF THE TWO › Vitamin D and analogues
ergocalciferol
A11CC01
Forms & Strengths
- Capsules: 50,000 USP units (1.25 mg)
- Oral drops: 8,000 USP units/mL
- Oral liquid: 200 USP units/mL
Adult Dosing
- Vitamin D deficiency: 50,000 USP units orally once weekly for 6 to 8 weeks
- Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000 to 200,000 USP units orally daily, adjusted based on serum calcium and phosphate levels
- Refractory rickets: 12,000 to 500,000 USP units daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Vitamin D deficiency (infants and children >1 year): 2,000 USP units daily or 50,000 USP units weekly for 6 weeks
- Hypoparathyroidism (pediatric): 50,000 to 200,000 USP units daily
Indications
- Treatment of refractory rickets
- Treatment of hypoparathyroidism
- Treatment of severe vitamin D deficiency
Mechanism of Action
- Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyergocalciferol and subsequently in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol (active metabolite)
- Promotes active absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the small intestine
- Mobilizes calcium from bone and promotes renal tubular reabsorption of calcium
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia
- Malabsorption syndrome
- Vitamin D toxicity
- Hypersensitivity to ergocalciferol or any component of the formulation
Adverse Reactions
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypercalciuria
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Polyuria, polydipsia, nephrocalcinosis
- Fatigue, weakness
Drug Interactions
- Thiazide diuretics: Increased risk of hypercalcemia due to decreased renal calcium excretion
- Magnesium-containing antacids: Risk of hypermagnesemia, especially in chronic renal failure
- Mineral oil, orlistat, and bile acid sequestrants: Decreased absorption of ergocalciferol
- Cardiac glycosides: Hypercalcemia potentiates cardiac arrhythmias
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use