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Ergocalciferol is vitamin D2. Current prescription capsules contain 1.25 mg, equal to 50,000 USP units of vitamin D2. Prescription labeling includes hypoparathyroidism, refractory or vitamin D resistant rickets, and familial hypophosphatemia. High-dose therapy is individualized under close medical supervision.
read more about ergocalciferol ...Ergocalciferol is converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and then in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Vitamin D metabolites increase intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and raise serum concentrations enough for normal bone mineralization. They also influence calcium and phosphate movement in bone and the kidneys.
Current prescription labeling includes hypoparathyroidism, refractory rickets, also called vitamin D resistant rickets, and familial hypophosphatemia. The 50,000-unit capsule is a high-dose prescription product. Treatment requires attention to dietary vitamin D, supplements, calcium intake, laboratory results, and other medicines that affect calcium balance.
For vitamin D resistant rickets, current labeling lists 12,000 to 500,000 USP units daily. For hypoparathyroidism, it lists 50,000 to 200,000 USP units daily with calcium lactate under close supervision. The label does not state one fixed regimen for familial hypophosphatemia, and dosing is individualized.
The therapeutic and toxic dose ranges can be close during high-dose treatment. Excess vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia and other toxic effects, so blood calcium is checked during high-dose therapy. Contraindications include hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome, hypervitaminosis D, and abnormal sensitivity to vitamin D toxicity. Thiazide diuretics can increase hypercalcemia risk.
Yes. Ergocalciferol is vitamin D2, and current prescription capsules contain 50,000 USP units per capsule.
Current labeling includes hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D resistant rickets, and familial hypophosphatemia.
High prescription doses can cause vitamin D toxicity and hypercalcemia, so calcium levels are monitored closely.
Medical supervision is needed. Thiazides can increase hypercalcemia risk in patients receiving ergocalciferol.
DailyMed - ERGOCALCIFEROL CAPSULES, capsule. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c22a625f-f526-477a-85e5-23abe5771284. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Ergocalciferol. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616042.html. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Ergocalciferol. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5280793. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Vitamin D - Health Professional Fact Sheet. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VITAMIND-HealthProfessional/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Vitamin D. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548094/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.