Drisdol (Ergocalciferol)

Name             

Trade Name                             Generic Name

Drisdol                                      Ergocalciferol

Use                  Vitamin D deficiency, prevention of Vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism.

Other uses include: high blood pressure, depression, muscle aches, obesity, diabetes, fatigue.

Action             Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Having the right amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus is important for building and keeping strong bones.

Possible Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects.  Most patients experience no, or minor, side effects.  Possible side effects:

• Common: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, weakness, constipation, weight loss.
• Rare: high calcium levels, renal impairment.

Guidelines for Taking This Medication

• Take with food.
• Take dose as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Notify your provider if you are pregnant as this medication should not be used.
• Stop medication and notify office if you have symptoms of overdose: symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin, changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.

Monitoring

• Blood tests to monitor your kidney levels, calcium levels, as well as Vitamin D.

More information on Vitamin D can be found under Vitamin D on the main Page of the Health Library.

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