Ergocalciferol



Calciferol™; Drisdol®







Ergocalciferol

(er goe kal SIF e role)

U.S. Brand Names
Calciferol™; Drisdol®
Canadian Brand Names
Drisdol®; Ostoforte®
Pharmacologic Category
Vitamin D Analog
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to ergocalciferol or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: High calcium levels, high vitamin D levels, or poor absorption.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to supplement nutritional needs.
  • This medicine is used to treat poor parathyroid function.
  • This medicine is used to treat low phosphate levels.
  • This medicine is used to treat rickets.
How does it work?
  • Ergocalciferol acts as a hormone to control calcium absorption in the body.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Use dropper to measure liquid medicine.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with healthcare provider. Some products contain tartrazine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid other sources of vitamin D.
  • Do not take cholestyramine, mineral oil, magnesium-containing antacids, or orlistat with this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High calcium level. Signs include weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, nausea and vomiting, constipation, or bone pain.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: