Vitamin D, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vitamin

Generic and brand names: ergocalciferol, oral; vitamin D, oral; Calciferol; Deltalin; Drisdol

What is this medicine used for?

Vitamin D is found in certain foods and is needed for good health and strong bones and teeth. A shortage of vitamin D in your body may cause a disease called rickets. Vitamin D supplements are used when you don't get enough in your diet. Your health care provider may also prescribe vitamin D for certain other conditions that cause you to lose calcium.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• heart disease
• kidney disease.

Females of childbearing age: Take vitamin D supplements only when recommended and approved by your health care provider.

How do I take it?

If you are not certain that you need vitamin D or how much you should take, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

Do not take more of this medicine than your health care provider recommends or more than directed on the package label.

Claims that large doses of vitamin D will cure other medical conditions have not been proven. Take large doses only if your health care provider approves. Vitamin D is stored in your body, so large doses may cause serious side effects.

The liquid can be dropped directly into your mouth or mixed with fruit juice or food. You may take capsules and tablets with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Eating a balanced diet and getting sunshine on your skin regularly are usually enough to satisfy your need for vitamin D.

Do not use vitamin D supplements as a substitute for a balanced diet. When taken in recommended doses, vitamin D does not usually cause significant side effects. However, serious side effects can occur when large doses are taken over a long period of time.

Taking vitamin D causes the level of calcium in your blood to increase. Contact your health care provider right away if you have weakness, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, bone pain, and irritability.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider): Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, constant headache, thirst, metallic taste, irregular heartbeat, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry mouth, muscle pain, bone pain, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• antacids containing magnesium such as Maalox or Mylanta
• cholestyramine (Questran)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• mineral oil
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• phenobarbital
• thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix) and chlorthalidone (Hygroton)
• verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.