Home Drug Guide Ergocalciferol

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Ergocalciferol

Brand Names Drisdol, Vitamin D, Deltalin

Classification

Therapeutic: Vitamin supplement, Nutritional supplement

Pharmacological: Vitamin D analog

FDA Approved Indications

  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Prevent and treat rickets and osteomalacia

Mechanism of Action

Ergocalciferol is converted in the liver to calcidiol, which is further converted in the kidneys to calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. It promotes calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and maintains serum calcium and phosphate levels, supporting normal bone mineralization.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically, 50,000 IU once weekly for deficiency; dose varies based on deficiency severity and patient response.

Pediatric: Dose varies based on age and severity of deficiency. Consult specific pediatric dosing guidelines.

Geriatric: Adjust dose based on renal function and serum calcium levels.

Renal Impairment: Monitor calcium and vitamin D levels; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment required, but monitor vitamin D levels.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Distribution: Bind to vitamin D binding protein in plasma.

Metabolism: Largely metabolized in the liver to calcidiol.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via the bile and feces.

Half Life: Approximately 15 days for calcidiol.

Contraindications

  • Hypercalcemia
  • Vitamin D toxicity

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with hyperparathyroidism, renal disease, or granulomatous diseases like sarcoidosis. Regular monitoring of serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D levels is recommended.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Hypercalcemia (Less common but significant)
  • Nausea, vomiting (Common)
  • Loss of appetite (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) (Rare)
  • Hypercalciuria (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Thiazide diuretics (increase risk of hypercalcemia)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D levels. Assess for signs of vitamin D toxicity.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for hypercalcemia
  • Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, usually with food to enhance absorption. Educate patient on signs of toxicity.

Evaluation: Regularly evaluate serum calcium and vitamin D levels to ensure adequacy and prevent toxicity.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication with food to improve absorption.
  • Report symptoms of hypercalcemia: weakness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.
  • Avoid excessive intake of dietary calcium or vitamin D supplements unless directed by healthcare provider.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: Genetic factors affecting vitamin D metabolism may influence individual response.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Hypercalcemia symptoms: nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, kidney stones.

Treatment: Discontinue vitamin D, administer corticosteroids if needed, ensure adequate hydration, and monitor calcium levels.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable when stored properly.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.