What Causes Rickets?

Medications

Some medications used to treat a variety of other medical conditions can cause rickets because they affect the body's ability to process and absorb vitamin D. For example, phenytoin, which is used to treat epilepsy, can cause vitamin D deficiencies, which in turn can cause rickets if left untreated. Some antibiotics, such as clotrimazole or rifampicin, can also cause rickets. Even herbal supplements like St. John's wort or kava kava can trigger vitamin D deficiencies. If you or your child is taking any of these medications or supplements, your doctor will screen you regularly to ensure you have the right vitamin D levels for healthy bones and may suggest adding foods rich in vitamin D to your diet, or a special supplement to be taken with food.