Ergocalciferol
PrescriptionBrand names: Ergocalciferol
About This Medication
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 D 2 is found in plants and yeast and has no antirachitic activity. There are more than 10 substances belonging to a group of steroid compounds, classified as having vitamin D or antirachitic activity. One USP Unit of vitamin D 2 is equivalent to one International Unit (IU), and 1 mcg of vitamin D 2 is equal to 40 IU. Each softgel, for oral administration, contains Ergocalciferol, USP 1,250 mcg (equivalent to 50,000 USP units of Vitamin D), in an edible vegetable oil. Ergocalciferol, also called vitamin D 2 , is 9,10-secoergosta-5,7,10(19),22-tetraen-3-ol,(3 β ,5 Z ,7 E ,22 E )-; (C 28 H 44 O) with a molecular weight of 396.65, and has the following structural formula: Inactive Ingredients : Refined soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, purified water, D&C Yellow #10, and FD&C Blue #1.
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Ergocalciferol | - |
Indications & Usage
Dosage & Administration
Side Effects Overview
Warnings & Precautions
WARNINGS 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.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Ergocalciferol is contraindicated in patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, abnormal sensitivity to the toxic effects of vitamin D, and hypervitaminosis D.
Frequently Asked Questions
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ergocalciferol is indicated for use in the treatment of hypoparathyroidism, refractory rickets, also known as vitamin D resistant rickets, and familial hypophosphatemia.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION THE RANGE BETWEEN THERAPEUTIC AND TOXIC DOSES IS NARROW. Vitamin D Resistant Rickets: 12,000 to 500,000 USP units daily. Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000 to 200,000 USP 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 phosphorous 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 …
WARNINGS 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.
CONTRAINDICATIONS Ergocalciferol is contraindicated in patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, abnormal sensitivity to the toxic effects of vitamin D, and hypervitaminosis D.
Ergocalciferol is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Similar Capsule Products
Browse all Capsule products →References & Data Sources
- • DailyMed — Ergocalciferol drug label (National Library of Medicine)
- • openFDA — Ergocalciferol label data (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
- • RxNorm — RXCUI 1367410 (NLM Normalized Drug Names)
- • NDC Directory — Ergocalciferol (FDA National Drug Code)
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.
Data sources: DailyMed (NLM), openFDA, MFDS