Ergocalciferol
Vitamin D2, a chemical compound / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D2 and nonspecifically calciferol, is a type of vitamin D found in food and used as a dietary supplement.[3] As a supplement it is used to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency.[4] This includes vitamin D deficiency due to poor absorption by the intestines or liver disease.[5] It may also be used for low blood calcium due to hypoparathyroidism.[5] It is used by mouth or injection into a muscle.[4][5]
Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Drisdol, Calcidol, others |
Other names | viosterol |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a616042 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, intramuscular |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.000.014 |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C28H44O |
Molar mass | 396.659 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
Melting point | 114 to 118 °C (237 to 244 °F) |
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Excessive doses can result in increased urine production, high blood pressure, kidney stones, kidney failure, weakness, and constipation.[6] If high doses are taken for a long period of time, tissue calcification may occur.[5] Normal doses are safe in pregnancy.[7] It works by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed by the intestines and kidneys.[6] Food in which it is found include some mushrooms.[8]
Ergocalciferol was first described in 1936.[9] Ergocalciferol is available as a generic medication and over the counter.[6] In 2021, it was the 35th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 17 million prescriptions.[10][11] Certain foods such as breakfast cereal and margarine have ergocalciferol added to them in some countries.[12][13] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[14]