How should I take ergocalciferol?
Take this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do
not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. You may also need x-rays. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Ergocalciferol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include other
medications and a special diet. It is very important to follow the medication and diet plan created
for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of
foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of vitamin D can cause serious or life-threatening side
effects.
Overdose symptoms may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea,
vomiting, constipation, muscle or bone pain, metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss, itchy skin,
changes in heart rate, loss of interest in sex, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling
unusually hot, severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking ergocalciferol?
Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid using calcium supplements or antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
specific type of supplement or antacid your doctor recommends.
What are the possible side effects of ergocalciferol?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking ergocalciferol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side
effect such as:
-
thinking problems, changes in behavior, feeling irritable;
-
urinating more than usual;
-
chest pain, feeling short of breath; or
-
early signs of vitamin D overdose (weakness, metallic taste
in your mouth, weight loss, muscle or bone pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect ergocalciferol?
Before taking ergocalciferol, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
-
sucralfate (Carafate);
-
mineral oil (sometimes taken as a laxative);
-
seizure medication;
-
steroids (prednisone and others);
-
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
-
a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril),
hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic),
chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and
others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with ergocalciferol. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter
medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not
start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about ergocalciferol.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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