Generic name: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) [ ER-goe-kal-SIF-e-role ]
Brand names: Calcidol, Calciferol, Drisdol
Drug class: Vitamins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Calciferol?

Calciferol is vitamin D2. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

Calciferol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands).

Calciferol is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia).

Calciferol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Calciferol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Calciferol and call your doctor at once if you have:

• chest pain, feeling short of breath;

• growth problems (in a child taking Calciferol); or

• early signs of vitamin D overdose--weakness, metallic taste in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not take Calciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body, or any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Use only the recommended dose of ergocalciferol. An overdose could cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Calciferol if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D, or if you have:

• high levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis D);

• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or

• any condition that makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;

• kidney disease; or

• an electrolyte imbalance.

Certain forms of ergocalciferol may contain ingredients you should know about, such as peanut or soybean oil, sugar, aspartame (phenylalanine), or certain food dyes. Ask a doctor before using Calciferol if you have allergies, diabetes, or phenylketonuria (PKU).

Too much vitamin D could harm an unborn baby, and your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while taking Calciferol.

Ergocalciferol can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give Calciferol to a child without medical advice. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.

How should I take Calciferol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use only the recommended dose of ergocalciferol.

It may be best to take Calciferol after a meal, but you may take Calciferol with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

You will need frequent medical tests.

Your doctor may begin to reduce your Calciferol dose as your condition improves. Carefully follow all instructions about adjusting your dose. In some cases, there may be a very small difference in amount between safe and dangerous doses of this medicine.

Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

Calciferol may be only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes dietary changes and taking calcium and vitamin supplements. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Learn about the foods you should eat to make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Your Calciferol dose may need to be adjusted as you make changes to your diet.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, loss of appetite, thirst, urinating more or less than usual, body aches, stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.

What should I avoid while taking Calciferol?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any multivitamins, mineral supplements, or antacids while you are taking Calciferol.

What other drugs will affect Calciferol?

Certain medications can make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin D. If you take other medications, take them at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take Calciferol.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• mineral oil (sometimes taken as a laxative).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Calciferol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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