Calciferol
Also known as: Viosterol, Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2, Chocovite +1 more
Calciferol is a vitamin D, a fat soluble sterol, sometimes considered to be hormone or hormone precursor. Calciferol is involved in promoting normal bone development in body by regulating calcium, phosphorus and minerals. Vitamin D is a secosteroid and sometimes popularly known as the 'sunshine vitamin' because formed in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol under the influence of ultraviolet irradiation. Calciferol is also found in certain food. Fish liver oils, especially code liver oil are good sources of vitamin D.
Primary Characteristics
Calciferol is also known as Viosterol, Ergocalciferol, Vitamin D2, Chocovite, Sterogyl-15.
It is of Natural origin and belongs to Vitamin D.
It belongs to Vitamin D agonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.
Molecular Weight: 396.7 · Solubility in Water: < 1 in 10000 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 2 · Non-proprietary name: Calciferol.
Pharmacokinetics
Elimination: it is metabolised via via liver & gut, plasma half-life is 2 days, renal excretion is mild.
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Indications
Calciferol is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypocalcaemia of hypoparathyroidism, Hypoparathyroidism, Hypophosphataemia, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Prevention of vitamin d deficiency, Renal osteodystrophy, Simple vitamin d deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency, Vitamin D deficiency rickets.
Calciferol is also indicated for secondary conditions like Malabsorption, Post gastrectomy vit B-12 deficiency, Renal diseases.
Contraindications
Calciferol is contraindicated in conditions like Hypercalcaemia.
Dosage
Calciferol's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 1 ug/ kg | 1 ug/ kg | Every 24h | PO | |
| 1.4 ug/ kg | 1.4 ug/ kg | Every 24h | PO | |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 150 IU/kg | 150 IU/kg | Every 24h | Oral | For Treatment |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 187.5 units/kg | 187.5 units/kg | Every 24h | oral | |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Calciferol in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Cardiac arrhythmias, Cardiac arrhythmias , Paralytic ileus , Thirst , Dehydration , Polyuria , Nocturia , Abdominal pain, Overt psychosis , Metastatic calcification , Hyperphosphatemia, Hypervitaminosis D.
Calciferol produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cardiac arrhythmias, Renal failure. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
Calciferol is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorexia , Apathy, Headache, Nausea, Somnolence , Vomiting , Weakness.
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Calciferol may interfere in the diagnosis of Zlatkis-Zac reaction used in the measurement of serum cholesterol concentrations .
Available Brands
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Single Ingredient
Multi-Ingredient Combinations
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.27 — Vitamins, minerals, tonics, and other susbstances
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Calciferol in Pakistan: