Ergocalciferol


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Familial hypophosphataemia, Vitamin D-resistant rickets
Adult: Dosage is individualised according to patient response and requirement. 12,000-500,000 IU daily. Alternatively, 10,000-60,000 IU daily may be given with phosphate supplements. Readjust dose as soon as clinical improvement is observed. Frequent serum Ca determination is recommended when high therapeutic doses are used.

Oral
Hypoparathyroidism
Adult: Dosage is individualised according to patient response and requirement. In combination with Ca supplements and/or IV parathyroid hormone or dihydrotachysterol: 50,000-200,000 IU daily. Readjust dose as soon as clinical improvement is observed.
Child: Same as adult dose.

Oral
Vitamin D deficiency
Adult: Dosage is individualised according to patient response and requirement. Prophylaxis: 400 IU daily. Treatment: 800 IU daily, may require higher doses in severe deficiency. Alternatively, 50,000 IU once weekly may be necessary. In patients with deficiency due to liver disease or malabsorption states: Up to 40,000 IU daily.
Contraindications
Hypercalcaemia, metastatic calcification, evidence of vitamin D toxicity, hypervitaminosis D, abnormal sensitivity to toxic effects of vitamin D; malabsorption syndrome (unless dosed appropriately).
Special Precautions
Patient with heart disease or arteriosclerosis, renal calculi, hyperphosphataemia. Obese patients (BMI >30 kg/m2). Treatment guidelines may vary among individual products (refer to product-specific recommendations). Renal impairment. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Hypercalcaemia, soft tissue calcification, hypercalciuria, vitamin D toxicity.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Weakness.
Investigations: Increased serum creatinine, weight loss.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Anorexia, thirst.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Renal and urinary disorders: Polyuria, nocturia.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor serum or urinary Ca and phosphorus concentrations, and BUN initially once or twice weekly then at regular intervals; renal function as clinically indicated. Perform bone X-ray every month until the condition is stabilised and corrected. Monitor for signs and symptoms of vitamin D toxicity.
Overdosage
Symptoms: Hypercalcaemia with anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, polyuria, nocturia, thirst, lassitude, headache, sweating, and vertigo. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. In case of hypercalcaemia, discontinue treatment and initiate low Ca diet or generous fluid intake. May require hydration with IV saline solution in severe cases.
Drug Interactions
Mineral oil and colestyramine may interfere with the absorption of vitamin D. May cause hypercalcaemia with thiazide diuretics in hypoparathyroid patients. May reduce the efficacy with rifampicin and isoniazid. Metabolism may be increased by phenytoin. May increase the arrhythmogenic effects of cardiac glycosides.
Action
Description: Ergocalciferol is a provitamin. Its active metabolite stimulates the Ca and phosphorous absorption by the small intestine, increases secretion of Ca from bone to blood, and promotes renal tubule phosphate reabsorption.
Synonym: calciferol, vitamin D2.
Onset: 10-24 hours. Max effect: Approx 1 month (after daily doses).
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Well absorbed from the small intestine.
Distribution: Crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. Distributed in fat, muscle, skin and bones.
Metabolism: Metabolised in the liver by vitamin D 25-hydroxylase via hydroxylation to form 25-hydroxyergocalciferol; further metabolised in the kidneys by vitamin D 1-hydroxylase to active 1,25-dihydroxyergocalciferol.
Excretion: Via faeces; urine (small amounts).
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Ergocalciferol

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5280793, Ergocalciferol. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ergocalciferol. Accessed Oct. 26, 2020.

Storage
Store between 15-30°C. Protect from light.
MIMS Class
Vitamins A, D & E
ATC Classification
A11CC01 - ergocalciferol ; Belongs to the class of vitamin D and analogues. Used as dietary supplements.
References
Anon. Ergocalciferol. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 15/09/2020.

Anon. Ergocalciferol. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 01/07/2020.

Buckingham R (ed). Vitamin D Substances. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 01/07/2020.

Calciferol Capsules (British Dispensary Health Care). MIMS Thailand. http://www.mims.com/thailand. Accessed 15/09/2020.

Drisdol Capsule, Liquid Filled (Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 05/07/2020.

Ergocalciferol Injection BP 300,000 U (RPH Pharmaceuticals AB). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk/. Accessed 05/07/2020.

Ergocalciferol Liquid (Virtus Pharmaceuticals). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 15/09/2020.

Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com/. Accessed 15/09/2020.

Joint Formulary Committee. Ergocalciferol. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 15/09/2020.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Ergocalciferol from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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