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Calciferol Drug Center

Calciferol (ergocalciferol) is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands), and is also used to treat rickets (softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency) or low levels of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphatemia). It is vitamin D2. This medication is available in generic form. Vitamin D at normal doses usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor. Too much vitamin D can cause harmful high calcium levels.

To treat Vitamin D resistant rickets the dose of Calciferol is 12,000 to 500,000 USP units daily. To treat hypoparathyroidism, the dose is 50,000 to 200,000 USP units daily taken with calcium lactate 4 g, six times per day. The range between therapeutic and toxic doses is narrow. Dosage must be individualized under close medical supervision. Calciferol may interact with sucralfate, mineral oil (sometimes taken as a laxative), seizure medication, steroids, digoxin or diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, doses of vitamin D greater than the recommended dietary allowance should be used only when prescribed. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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