​Pharmacology - Ergocalciferol

​Pharmacology - Ergocalciferol 
a prehormone that is responsible for the production of the hormones calcifediol and calcitriol, which are essential for maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis as well as bone digestion.

Method of Operation
Both calcifediol and calcitriol have the ability to boost serum calcium levels by acting on receptors that are members of the steroid superfamily of receptors. This is accomplished by increasing the amount of calcium and phosphate that is absorbed from the gut and decreasing the amount that is excreted by the kidney.

When used orally, it requires bile salts in order to be absorbed.The levels of calcium in the serum must to be checked.
Use in Clinical Settings
Patients suffering from rickets, hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism, and osteodystrophy as a result of renal failure.

Adverse Effects
A hypercalcemic state can be brought on by excessive consumption; if this condition continues, renal calculi may develop.