Drug reference
calciferol
Vitamin D analogue · Vitamin D supplement
Vitamin D analogueVitamin D supplement
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) is a precursor to calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol enhances intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, promotes bone resorption and mineralization, and increases renal tubular reabsorption of calcium and phosphate.
Indications
Prophylaxis of nutritional vitamin D deficiencyTreatment of nutritional vitamin D deficiency
Dosing
- Adult
- 25,000 and 50,000 IU capsules. Prophylaxis: 400 IU/day. Treatment of nutritional deficiency: 3000–4000 IU/day.
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability
Well absorbed from the intestines in the presence of bile salts.
Side effects
Serious
- Hypervitaminosis D
Related guidelines
Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
ICMR · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2022
Iron deficiency anaemia in adults
ICMR · Hematology · 2023
Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2017
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis
ASH · Haematology · 2018
Infective endocarditis prevention
NICE · Cardiology / Dentistry · 2008
Other Vitamin D analogue drugs
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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team