Vitamin D (Ergocalciferol)

Type of Medication: Vitamin

Indications: Prevention or correction of low serum vitamin D levels and osteoporosis

Side Effects: Overdose associated with anorexia, nausea, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, polyuria, sweating, headaches, vertigo, thirst, hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia

Route of administration:  Adult (Oral)

Dose: Start with Vitamin D. 800 iu od.

Administration: 10,000 units (250 micrograms)tablets and 50, 000 units (1.25 milligrams) tablets available. Take with food and enzymes if pancreatic insufficient.

Examples of some Drug Interactions

Interacting drug: Barbiturates

? increases vitamin D requirements

Interacting drug: Carbamazepine

? increases vitamin D requirements

Interacting drug: Phenobarbitone

? increases vitamin D requirements

Interacting drug: Phenytoin

? increases vitamin D requirements

Interacting drug: Thiazides

increased risk of hypercalcaemia