Ergocalciferol

Information About Ergocalciferol

Uses of Ergocalciferol

Vitamin d2/calciferol/ergocalciferol is commonly used to treat chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, post menopausal osteoporosis, vitamin d deficiency

How Ergocalciferol Works

Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol is a Vitamin D metabolite which is able to stimulate osteoblasts to enhance skeletal growth and inhibit parathyroid hormone synthesis from the parathyroid gland

Side Effects of Ergocalciferol

Weakness, Headache, Sleepiness, Nausea and vomiting, Dry mouth, Constipation, Bone/Muscle ache, Metallic taste, Polyuria/Polydipsia, Liver dysfunction, Cardiac arrhythmias

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Ergocalciferol Related Warnings

Alcohol Safe

There is no known interaction between Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol and alcohol but alcohol may reduce the absorption of Vitamin D from the gut. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Animal studies have shown foetal abnormalities due to hypervitaminosis D but there are no adequate data on the use of Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol in pregnant women. Thus, Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol is not advisable during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor.

Lactation Not Advisable

Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol is known to secrete in human breast milk and shown to cause hypercalcaemia in breastfed babies. Thus, Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol is not advisable during breastfeeding.

Driving Generally Safe

Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Kidney Use With Care

Caution use has to be practised in patients with kidney impairment due to the risk of hypercalcaemia and causing further organ damage. Please consult your doctor.

Liver Use With Care

Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol is safe to use in patients with liver impairment.