Calciferol

 
Generic Name: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)

Brands: Calciferol, Drisdol

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What is the most important information I should know about ergocalciferol?

· Contact your doctor if you experience weakness, headache, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, a metallic taste in your mouth, increased thirst and/or urination, decreased appetite, or muscle or bone pain.

 

What is ergocalciferol?

· Ergocalciferol is vitamin D2. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

· Ergocalciferol is used in the treatment of refractory rickets (vitamin-D resistant rickets), familial hypophosphatemia, and hypoparathyroidism.

· Ergocalciferol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take ergocalciferol?

· You cannot take ergocalciferol if you have high levels of vitamin D or calcium in your body.

· Before taking ergocalciferol, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease,     ·kidney stones,     ·liver disease,     ·biliary disease,     ·stomach or malabsorption problems,     ·heart disease, or     ·circulation problems.

· You may not be able to take ergocalciferol, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy if you take any of the medications listed above.

· Vitamin D is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether doses of ergocalciferol larger than the recommended daily allowance will harm an unborn baby. Do not take supplemental ergocalciferol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· Vitamin D passes into breast milk. Do not take ergocalciferol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take ergocalciferol?

· Take ergocalciferol exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

· Follow your doctor's recommendation regarding diet and calcium supplementation while taking ergocalciferol.

· Store ergocalciferol at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a ergocalciferol overdose include irregular heartbeats, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, decreased appetite, constipation, weakness, headache, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

 

What should I avoid while taking ergocalciferol?

· Follow your doctor's recommendation regarding diet and calcium supplementation while taking ergocalciferol.

· Do not use mineral oil for any prolonged period while taking ergocalciferol. Prolonged use of mineral oil decreases the absorption of vitamin D.

· If you are on chronic renal dialysis, do not take magnesium supplements or antacids that contain magnesium, except under the supervision of your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of ergocalciferol?

· If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking ergocalciferol and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·an irregular heartbeat;     ·nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;     ·dry mouth;     ·constipation;     ·weakness;     ·headache;     ·a metallic taste;     ·muscle or bone pain; or     ·drowsiness.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect ergocalciferol?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);     ·antacids that contain magnesium;     ·cholestyramine (Questran); or     ·mineral oil.

· You may not be able to take ergocalciferol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ergocalciferol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about ergocalciferol.

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