DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Ergocalciferol Solution (er-goe-kal-SIF-e-role)
Brand Name: Examples include Calciferol and Drisdol

Calciferol Solution is used for:

Treating or preventing low vitamin D levels. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Calciferol Solution is a vitamin. It works by increasing vitamin D levels in the body.

Do NOT use Calciferol Solution if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Calciferol Solution
• you have high blood calcium levels or vitamin D toxicity

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Calciferol Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Calciferol Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following 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
• if you have a history of nutritional or electrolyte deficiencies

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Calciferol Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Verapamil because its effectiveness may be decreased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Calciferol Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Calciferol Solution:

Use Calciferol Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Use the dropper than comes with Calciferol Solution to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• Drop the dose of Calciferol Solution directly into the mouth or you may mix it with milk, formula, fruit juice, cereal, fruit, dessert, or other liquid or semisolid liquids.
• If you miss taking a dose of Calciferol Solution for 1 or more days, there is no cause for concern. If your doctor recommended that you take it, try to remember your dose every day.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Calciferol Solution.

Important safety information:

• Calciferol Solution may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Calciferol Solution. Using Calciferol Solution alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Do not take large doses of vitamins (megadoses or megavitamin therapy) while taking Calciferol Solution, unless directed to by your doctor.
• Do NOT exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• LAB TESTS may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Calciferol Solution, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Calciferol Solution during pregnancy. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking Calciferol Solution, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Calciferol Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Aches; stiffness; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); brittle bones or bone pain; chills; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; excessive thirst; excessive urination; fever; headache; irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; metallic taste in your mouth; muscle or bone pain; nausea; sleepiness; stomach cramps; vomiting; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; fainting; hallucinations; incoordination; metallic taste in mouth; ringing in the ears; tiredness; vomiting.

Proper storage of Calciferol Solution:

Store Calciferol Solution at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Calciferol Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Calciferol Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Calciferol Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Calciferol Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.