Ergocalciferol
Ergocalciferol is used in veterinary medicine for vitamin d deficiency.
Group
Vitamin D2
Mechanism of Action
Promotes calcium absorption after metabolic activation.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoparathyroid hypocalcemia | 500–2000 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Do not use in: Hypercalcemia; Source small-animal regimen; titrate to measured calcium, not body weight alone. |
| Hypoparathyroidism — Initial | 4000–6000 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Hospitalized induction after control of hypocalcemic tetany with parenteral calcium; calcium monitoring determines transition. |
| Hypoparathyroidism maintenance adjustment | Reference only | PO | Once calcium remains 8–10 mg/dL without parenteral support, reduce the induction schedule to alternate days and titrate. Reported maintenance spans 1,000–2,000 IU/kg from daily to weekly; use serial calcium results rather than selecting an arbitrary interval. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoparathyroid hypocalcemia | 500–2000 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Do not use in: Hypercalcemia; Source small-animal regimen; titrate to measured calcium, not body weight alone. |
| Hypoparathyroidism — Initial | 4000–6000 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Hospitalized induction after control of hypocalcemic tetany with parenteral calcium; calcium monitoring determines transition. |
| Hypoparathyroidism maintenance adjustment | Reference only | PO | Once calcium remains 8–10 mg/dL without parenteral support, reduce the induction schedule to alternate days and titrate. Reported maintenance spans 1,000–2,000 IU/kg from daily to weekly; use serial calcium results rather than selecting an arbitrary interval. |
Indications
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Hypoparathyroid hypocalcemia
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Hypercalcemia
- Not appropriate when renal activation to active vitamin D is impaired.
Interactions
- High calcium intake increases hypercalcemia risk.
Adverse effects
- Hypercalcemia and tissue mineralization
Toxicity
Overdose may produce prolonged hypercalcemia and renal injury.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ergocalciferol 50000 IU capsule | Capsule | 50000 IU / capsule | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Adjust treatment to serum calcium and renal parameters. One IU equals 0.025 mcg.