Ergocalciferol — Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Ergocalciferol is an active pharmaceutical ingredient found in 13 FDA-approved drug products. Forms: CAPSULE, INJECTABLE, FOR SOLUTION. Routes: ORAL, INTRAVENOUS, INJECTION.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Ergocalciferol (13 brand names, 3 dosage forms, 3 routes)

Available dosage forms: CAPSULE, INJECTABLE, FOR SOLUTION.

Routes of administration: ORAL, INTRAVENOUS, INJECTION.

Brand Names

  • BEROCCA PN
  • DELTALIN
  • DRISDOL
  • ERGOCALCIFEROL
  • M.V.C. 9+3
  • M.V.I. ADULT
  • M.V.I. ADULT (PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE)
  • M.V.I. PEDIATRIC
  • M.V.I.-12 ADULT
  • M.V.I.-12 LYOPHILIZED
  • MVC PLUS
  • VITAMIN D
  • VITAPED

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 IU units daily. Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000 to 200,000 IU 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 phosphorus 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 corrected and stabilized.

Contraindications

Ergocalciferol is contraindicated in patients with hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, abnormal sensitivity to the toxic effects of vitamin D, and hypervitaminosis D.

Adverse Reactions

Hypervitaminosis D is characterized by effects on the following organ system: Renal: Impairment of renal function with polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, hypercalciuria, reversible azotemia, hypertension, nephrocalcinosis, generalized vascular calcification, or irreversible renal insufficiency which may result in death. CNS: Mental retardation. Soft Tissues: Widespread calcification of the soft tissues, including the heart, blood vessels, renal tubules, and lungs. Skeletal: Bone demineralization (osteoporosis) in adults occurs concomitantly. Decline in the average rate of linear growth and increased mineralization of bones in infants and children (dwarfism) vague aches, stiffness, and weakness. Gastrointestinal: Nausea, anorexia, constipation. Metabolic: Mild acidosis, anemia, weight loss. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Torrent Pharma Inc. at 1-800-912-9561 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Drug Interactions

Mineral oil interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D preparations. Administration of thiazide diuretics to hypoparathyroid patients who are concurrently being treated with ergocalciferol may cause hypercalcemia.

Overdosage

The effects of administered vitamin D can persist for two or more months after cessation of treatment. Hypervitaminosis D is characterized by: 1. Hypercalcemia with anorexia, nausea, weakness, weight loss, vague aches and stiffness, constipation, mental retardation, anemia, and mild acidosis. 2. Impairment of renal function with polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, hypercalciuria, reversible azotemia, hypertension, nephrocalcinosis, generalized vascular calcification, or irreversible renal insufficiency which may result in death. 3. Widespread calcification of the soft tissues, including the heart, blood vessels, renal tubules, and lungs. Bone demineralization (osteoporosis) in adults occurs concomitantly. 4. Decline in the average rate of linear growth and increased mineralization of bones in infants and children (dwarfism). The treatment of hypervitaminosis D with hypercalcemia consists in immediate withdrawal of the vitamin, a low calcium diet, generous intake of fluids, along with symptomatic and supportive treatment. Hypercalcemic crisis with dehydration, stupor, coma, and azotemia requires more vigorous treatment. The first step should be hydration of the patient. Intravenous saline may quickly and significantly increase urinary calcium excretion. A loop diuretic (furosemide or ethacrynic acid) may be given with the saline infusion to further increase renal calcium excretion. Other reported therapeutic measures include dialysis or the administration of citrates, sulfates, phosphates, corticosteroids, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and mithramycin via appropriate regimens. With appropriate therapy, recovery is the usual outcome when no permanent damage has occurred. Deaths via renal or cardiovascular failure have been reported. The LD50 in animals is unknown. The toxic oral dose of ergocalciferol in the dog is 4 mg/kg.

⚠ Caution
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.