Calcidol
Generic name:ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) [ ER-goe-kal-SIF-e-role ]
Brand names: Calcidol, Calciferol, Drisdol
Drug class:Vitamins
What is Calcidol?
Calcidol is vitamin D2. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.
Calcidol is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands).
Calcidol is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia).
Calcidol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not take Calcidol 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 Calcidol 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 Calcidol 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 Calcidol.
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 Calcidol to a child without medical advice. Your child's dose will depend on age, weight, diet, and other factors.
How should I take Calcidol?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheet...
