What is the brand name for Ergocalciferol?
The brand name for Ergocalciferol is Drisdol.
PTCE Top 200 · #48
Ergocalciferol
Drisdol
Ergocalciferol is the generic name for the brand-name drug Drisdol. It is a vitamin d2 used to treat vitamin D deficiency. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Ergocalciferol ranks #48 and is one of the most frequently tested vitamins/minerals/supplements medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Ergocalciferol |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Drisdol |
| Drug class | Vitamin D2 |
| Class group | Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements |
| Common use | vitamin D deficiency |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Ergocalciferol used for?
• Vitamin D deficiency: treatment of hypovitaminosis D.
What drug class is Ergocalciferol?
Ergocalciferol is a Vitamin D2 in the Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Ergocalciferol
- arrow_rightHypercalcemia symptoms (nausea, vomiting)
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightWeakness/fatigue
Major interactions
- arrow_rightThiazide diuretics may ↑ hypercalcemia risk
- arrow_rightDigoxin + hypercalcemia ↑ arrhythmia risk
- arrow_rightOrlistat, cholestyramine may ↓ vitamin D absorption
- arrow_rightEnzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital) may ↓ vitamin D effect
Is Ergocalciferol a controlled substance?
No. Ergocalciferol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Ergocalciferol (PTCE mnemonic)
DRISdol DRIves D up — ergocalciferol = vitamin D2 (plant-source). Fat-soluble, take with food; goal 25-OH-D >30; ↑calcium absorption.
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PTCE exam tip
Ergocalciferol is vitamin D2 (Drisdol), the high-dose prescription form — distinguish it from OTC cholecalciferol (vitamin D3).
Ergocalciferol FAQ
What is Ergocalciferol used for?
Ergocalciferol is used to treat vitamin D deficiency. • Vitamin D deficiency: treatment of hypovitaminosis D.
What drug class is Ergocalciferol?
Ergocalciferol is a Vitamin D2 (Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group).
Is Ergocalciferol a controlled substance?
No. Ergocalciferol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group
Drill Ergocalciferol the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).