ergocalciferol at a glance
Medicine class
Vitamin D and analogue; specifically vitamin D2.
Main licensed role
Treating consequences of vitamin D malabsorption associated with gastrointestinal, liver or biliary disease.
What is ergocalciferol used for?
The selected injection is licensed for intramuscular treatment when gastrointestinal, liver or biliary disease causes vitamin D malabsorption.
Low blood phosphate caused by vitamin D malabsorption
Rickets associated with vitamin D malabsorption
Osteomalacia associated with vitamin D malabsorption
How does ergocalciferol work?
The liver and kidneys convert ergocalciferol into active vitamin D metabolites. These increase calcium and phosphate absorption from the intestine and help regulate their handling by the kidneys and bones.
ergocalciferol preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 300000 units
How to take ergocalciferol
The selected product is injected into a muscle by a doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer it. Follow the clinic’s instructions about appointments, tests and any separately prescribed calcium or phosphate.
Tell the clinical team about all vitamin D, calcium and mineral supplements you use.
If drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery.
Maintain adequate fluid intake unless your clinician advises otherwise.
ergocalciferol side effects
Common or expected effects
- High blood calcium is listed as very common with the selected injection. Symptoms may include nausea, constipation, thirst, frequent urination, weakness or drowsiness.
- Raised blood creatinine, which can indicate impaired kidney function, is listed as very common.
Get urgent medical advice
- Irregular heartbeat or fainting
- Severe abdominal pain spreading to the back, which may indicate pancreatitis
- Kidney problems, including stones or calcium deposition in the kidneys
- Severe confusion, personality change or hallucinations
- Persistent vomiting, extreme thirst, substantial weakness or unusually large amounts of urine
ergocalciferol in pregnancy
Vitamin D deficiency can be treated during pregnancy, usually with an oral product after clinical assessment. Pregnancy data for the selected injection are limited, and it should be used only when the prescriber judges that the potential benefit outweighs possible fetal risk.
ergocalciferol while breastfeeding
Vitamin D can generally be used while breastfeeding, although some circumstances require infant monitoring. The selected injection specifically states that it should not be administered while breastfeeding, so the prescriber should consider an alternative formulation.
ergocalciferol interactions
Tell the prescriber about all medicines and supplements, particularly those containing vitamin D, calcium or magnesium.
Digoxin and other digitalis glycosides
High calcium caused by ergocalciferol can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
Verapamil
High calcium associated with ergocalciferol and supplemental calcium may provoke recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Thiazide diuretics
These can increase the risk of high calcium, particularly in people with hypoparathyroidism.
Common questions about ergocalciferol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is ergocalciferol?
It is vitamin D2. The body converts it into active metabolites that help control calcium and phosphate.
Why might it be injected instead of taken by mouth?
The selected injection is licensed for people whose gastrointestinal, liver or biliary disease prevents adequate vitamin D absorption.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.