Vitamin D2

Uses of Vitamin D2

Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol is commonly used to treat Chronic Kidney Disease, Osteoporosis, Post Menopausal Osteoporosis, Vitamin D Deficiency

How Vitamin D2 Works

Vitamin D2/Calciferol/Ergocalciferol is a Vitamin D metabolite which is able to stimulate osteoblasts to enhance skeletal growth and inhibit parathyroid hormone synthesis from the parathyroid gland

Side Effects of Vitamin D2

Weakness, Headache, Sleepiness, Nausea and vomiting, Dry mouth, Constipation, Bone/Muscle ache, Metallic taste, Polyuria/Polydipsia, Liver dysfunction, Cardiac arrhythmias

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Caution use has to be practised in patients with kidney impairment due to the risk of hypercalcaemia and causing further organ damage. Please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Safe

There is no known interaction between Vitamin D2 and alcohol but alcohol may reduce the absorption of Vitamin D2 from the gut. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Animal studies have shown foetal abnormalities due to hypervitaminosis D but there are no adequate data on the use of Vitamin D2 in pregnant women. Thus, Vitamin D2 is not advisable during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh the risks. Please consult your doctor.

Driving Generally Safe

Vitamin D2 usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Liver Use With Care

Vitamin D2 is safe to use in patients with liver impairment.

Lactation Not Advisable

Vitamin D2 is known to secrete in human breast milk and shown to cause hypercalcaemia in breastfed babies. Thus, Vitamin D2 is not advisable during breastfeeding.

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).