What conditions are treated with Drisdol capsules? What should you know about warnings and potential side effects when taking Drisdol? Get the answers you need.

The Importance of Drisdol Capsules

Drisdol® (ergocalciferol, USP) capsules are a form of vitamin D that plays a crucial role in helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus. These essential minerals are vital for building and maintaining strong bones. Drisdol capsules are typically prescribed to treat specific health conditions related to vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus deficiencies.

Conditions Treated with Drisdol Capsules

Drisdol capsules are primarily used to treat the following conditions:

• Low levels of parathyroid hormone, which can cause calcium and phosphorus deficiencies
• Refractory rickets, also known as vitamin D resistant rickets
• Inherited phosphate deficiency

When Should You Avoid Taking Drisdol Capsules?

It’s important to avoid taking Drisdol capsules if you have any of the following conditions:

• High levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia)
• High levels of vitamin D in your body (hypervitaminosis)
• Any condition that makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients from food (malabsorption)

Warnings and Precautions with Drisdol Capsules

When taking Drisdol capsules, be aware of the following important warnings and precautions:

• Vitamin D should be strictly restricted in infants with excessive calcium levels from unknown causes.
• Your doctor must carefully evaluate all sources of vitamin D, including from fortified foods, dietary supplements, and other prescription drugs, to determine the appropriate dosage of Drisdol capsules.
• If you are taking Drisdol capsules for the treatment of vitamin D resistant rickets, there is a very narrow range in the dose you can receive where it will be effective without being toxic.
• Your doctor may prescribe additional treatments, such as calcium injections, parathyroid hormone, and/or dihydrotachysterol, if you have low levels of parathyroid hormone.
• Your doctor will monitor your phosphorus levels and may prescribe supplementation to maintain normal levels.
• Excessive vitamin D during pregnancy has been shown to cause fetal abnormalities, so it should be avoided unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
• Your doctor will prescribe Drisdol capsules with caution if you are nursing, as large doses of vitamin D can pass through to breast milk.
• The dose of vitamin D given to children must be individualized for the specific patient.
• Older patients may absorb vitamin D more quickly than younger patients, so your doctor may start you on a low dose and slowly increase it based on your response.

Potential Side Effects of Drisdol Capsules

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects while taking Drisdol capsules:

• Brittle bones
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Growth suppression in children
• Headache
• Mental retardation
• Metallic taste in your mouth
• Muscle or bone pain
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting

Seek emergency medical help if you have a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.

Overdose and Immediate Action

If you suspect an overdose of Drisdol capsules, contact the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the emergency room immediately. Vitamin D toxicity with high calcium levels in your blood requires prompt treatment, including immediately stopping vitamin D treatment and following a low-calcium diet.

Interactions and Medications to Discuss

Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements you are taking, as some may interact with Drisdol capsules. Specifically, mineral oil can interfere with the absorption of Drisdol capsules, and diuretics containing thiazide to treat low levels of parathyroid hormone may cause an excessive increase in the amount of calcium in your body when taken with Drisdol capsules.