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Ergocalciferol

Vitamin · Vitamin D supplement

Also known as calciferol, vitamin D2

VitaminVitamin D supplement
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
7 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated
Top interactionssee all 7
  • CalcifediolSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • CalcitriolSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • CholecalciferolSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • DihydrotachysterolSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Ergocalciferol, a form of Vitamin D, is a hormone that plays an active role in calcium homeostasis. Its biological actions are mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor. It permits efficient absorption of dietary calcium and allows full expression of the actions of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH).

Indications

Prevention of ricketsTreatment of ricketsPrevention of vitamin D deficiencyTreatment of vitamin D deficiencyfamilial hypophosphatemiahypoparathyroidismvitamin D–resistant rickets type IInutritional ricketsmetabolic ricketsosteoporosis (prevention and treatment)

Dosing

Adult
Daily by mouth for prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency; higher doses may be necessary for severe deficiency. Also, 20 units/mL as part of Vitlipid N Adult emulsion for injection.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism
Requires hydroxylation by the kidney to its active form; requires further processing in the body to become active.

Side effects

Serious
  • hypercalcemia

Drug interactions

Calcifediol
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Calcitriol
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Cholecalciferol
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Dihydrotachysterol
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Doxercalciferol
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Erdafitinib
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Paricalcitol
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

5 additional low-confidence interactions hidden — those rows lack a documented mechanism or management plan in our sources.

Related guidelines

Other Vitamin drugs

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF, Nelson·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team