Drisdol

Brand Names

Drisdol, Calciferol, Delta D3, DHT, Hectorol, Rocaltrol, Vitamin D, Zemplar, D-Vi-Sol, Radiostol Forte

What is Drisdol

Drisdol (ergocalciferol) is a vitamin called D2 which is very important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the work of calcium in the body.

This vitamin strengthens bones and teeth, lack of it may lead to a condition called rickets, especially in children, in which bones and teeth are weak. In adults it may cause a condition called osteomalacia, in which calcium is lost from bones so that they become weak.

Side effects of Drisdol

If you have noticed any of these most common side effects, you should inform your doctor: aches; constipation; loss of appetite; nausea; weakness; weight loss.

There are some severe side effects included:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• brittle bones
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• excessive thirst
• excessive urination
• growth suppression in children
• headache
• mental retardation
• metallic taste in your mouth
• muscle or bone pain
• sleepiness
• stomach cramps
• vomiting

Indication

Drisdol is a form of vitamin D. It works by promoting proper absorption and use of calcium and phosphate in the body and helping to regulate parathyroid hormone levels. It is used in vitamin supplements.

Effectiveness of vitamin D for cure of arthritis and prevention of nearsightedness or nerve problems is still unknown. But sometimes vitamin D supplements may help in the treatment of psoriasis.

You should remember that vitamin D injection is given only under your doctor's supervision and with your doctor's prescription. Other strengths of ergocalciferol are available without a prescription.

Precautions

It is obligatory to tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the followings apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have hardening of the arteries, heart problems or high blood phosphate levels

You should inform your doctor about other medicines that you take, because drisdol may interact with them. Consult with your doctor before you start, stop or change the dose of any medicine.

Dosage forms

Vitamin D Resistant Rickets: 12,000-500,000 IU units daily.

Hypoparathyroidism: 50,000-200,000 IU units daily concomitantly with calcium lactate 4g, 6 times per day.

The obligatory conditions of the treatment should be:

• Close medical supervision during the treatment
• Blood calcium and phosphorus determinations must be made every 2 weeks or more frequently if necessary
• X-rays of the bones should be taken every month until condition is corrected and stabilized