Ergocalciferol

About ergocalciferol

Ergocalciferol is a fat-soluble vitamin which works by replacing deficiency. Deficiency is caused by inadequate exposure to sunlight and low consumption of foods containing ergocalciferol. The best natural sources are found in oily fish (sardine, herring, salmon and tuna), liver, dairy products and egg yolks.

Symptoms of long term ergocalciferol deficiency are low blood levels of calcium and phosphate, which result in the softening of the bones. In children this can cause abnormal bone development and in adults it can cause osteoporosis, backache, muscle weakness, bone pain and fractures.

Ergocalciferol is also used to treat low levels of calcium in the blood caused by insufficient levels of parathyroid hormone, and in a bone disease that occurs when the kidneys do not maintain the proper levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood (renal osteodystrophy).

Before taking ergocalciferol

Before taking ergocalciferol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from kidney or heart problems.
• If you know you have high levels of calcium in the blood or urine.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take ergocalciferol

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• If you are taking calcium and ergocalciferol tablets, you should take them after a meal. Crush or chew the tablets before swallowing with a drink of water.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of ergocalciferol, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside ergocalciferol.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored. If you are taking high doses of ergocalciferol your doctor will regularly check the calcium levels in your blood.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time to take the next one. Never take two doses together.

Can ergocalciferol cause problems

In the low doses used to treat deficiency, this medicine is unlikely to cause any side effects. If however, you experience any worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

IMPORTANT: if you experience the following symptoms while you are taking this medicine make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible: Loss of appetite, weakness, feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, weight loss, a need to urinate more often, sweating, headache, thirstiness or dizziness.

How to store ergocalciferol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines