Vitamin D2
Vitamin D2, medically known as ergocalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. It promotes bone mineralization and intestinal calcium absorption. It is synthesized by plants and yeast when exposed to ultraviolet light, and is commonly used as a dietary supplement or prescription medication to manage severe vitamin D deficiency and metabolic bone disorders.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosages must be individualized based on patient age, severity of deficiency, and serum calcium levels. For nutritional supplementation, standard daily doses range from 400 IU to 2,000 IU. High-dose therapeutic regimens (e.g., 50,000 IU weekly) require strict medical supervision and monitoring of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to avoid toxicity.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / 400 IU
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a pediatrician. Dosing must be strictly supervised and adjusted based on serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 400 IU to 1000 IU
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Used for treatment of deficiency or maintenance under pediatric supervision.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 400 IU to 1000 IU
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure concurrent adequate dietary calcium intake for proper bone mineralization.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 600 IU to 2000 IU
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Higher doses in this range are reserved for treating documented vitamin D deficiency.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 600 IU to 2000 IU
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Periodic blood tests are recommended to avoid hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria during prolonged therapy.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / 400 IU | Once daily | Consult a pediatrician. Dosing must be strictly supervised and adjusted based on serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. |
| 5-7 kg | 400 IU to 1000 IU | Once daily | Used for treatment of deficiency or maintenance under pediatric supervision. |
| 8-10 kg | 400 IU to 1000 IU | Once daily | Ensure concurrent adequate dietary calcium intake for proper bone mineralization. |
| 11-15 kg | 600 IU to 2000 IU | Once daily | Higher doses in this range are reserved for treating documented vitamin D deficiency. |
| 16-20 kg | 600 IU to 2000 IU | Once daily | Periodic blood tests are recommended to avoid hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria during prolonged therapy. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency, refractory rickets, hypoparathyroidism, and familial hypophosphatemia.
Generic Name
ErgocalciferolBranded Drug Names
Vitamin D2 is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.