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Ergocalciferol (Calciferol) 💊
📌 See also: Vitamin D Deficiency and Management
📖 About
Always check the BNF link here before prescribing.
- 💊 Ergocalciferol = Vitamin D₂ (plant-derived form of Vitamin D).
- 🔄 Requires hydroxylation in the liver and kidneys → active 1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D.
⚡ Mechanism of Action
- ⬆️ Increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate.
- 🦴 Promotes bone mineralisation and suppresses secondary hyperparathyroidism.
- 🌱 Plant source (ergosterol → ergocalciferol when UV-activated).
🩺 Indications
- Vitamin D deficiency (mild, moderate, or severe).
- Hypoparathyroidism (long-term management).
💊 Dosing (check BNF/datasheet)
| Indication | Dose / Details |
|---|---|
| 🍽️ Dietary supplement | 10 mcg (400 units) daily |
| 🦴 Vitamin D deficiency | 20 mcg (800 units) daily |
| ⚠️ Severe deficiency | 1 mg (40,000 units) daily |
| 🧬 Hypoparathyroidism | 2.5 mg (100,000 units) daily (specialist use, close monitoring required) |
| 👴 Elderly / high hypercalcaemia risk | Reduce dose accordingly |
⚠️ Interactions
- See BNF – interactions with enzyme inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine), digoxin (↑ toxicity with hypercalcaemia), and other Vitamin D analogues.
⚠️ Cautions
- Hypercalcaemia (monitor calcium & U&E regularly).
- Risk of metastatic calcification with prolonged high doses.
🚫 Contraindications
- See BNF – avoid in persistent hypercalcaemia, severe renal impairment with uncontrolled phosphate, or hypersensitivity.
💥 Side Effects
- ⬆️ Hypercalcaemia (nausea, vomiting, confusion, arrhythmias).
- 🪨 Nephrocalcinosis, renal stones.
- 🌡️ Rash, urticaria (rare).
📑 References
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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