Generic
Calcium Gluconate
5 brands available in the market
At a glance
Calcium Gluconate is a calcium salt used in the treatment of hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency), hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, and severe hypocalcemic tetany. It helps maintain normal nerve, muscle, and cardiac function.
Description
Calcium Gluconate is a calcium salt used in the treatment of calcium deficiency conditions. It replenishes calcium in the body and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and severe hypocalcemic tetany.
Calcium Gluconate helps facilitate nerve and muscle performance as well as normal cardiac function. It is administered as an injection by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered.
Indications
- Severe hypocalcemic tetany
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Osteoporosis
- Extreme hypercalcemia
- Calcium deficiency states and dietary supplement
- Fluoride or lead poisoning
- Neonatal tetany
Therapeutic class
Specific mineral preparations
Pharmacological class
Calcium Salt
Pharmacology
Calcium Gluconate is used to prevent or treat negative calcium balance. It helps facilitate nerve and muscle performance as well as normal cardiac function. Calcium is essential for bone mineralization, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction.
Mechanism of action
Calcium Gluconate provides essential calcium to the body, which supports bone mineralization, nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal cardiac function.
Dosage
Adults (IM): 1-2 ampoules (Calcium Gluconate) daily or every alternate day, deep intramuscular injection into the gluteus medius muscle (using a long needle).
Children: Half the adult dose. IM route is not recommended for children.
Acute hypocalcemia: 10-20 mL (2.32-4.64 mmol)/kg body weight.
Fluoride or lead poisoning: 0.3 mL/kg body weight.
Neonatal tetany: 0.3 (0.7 mmol)/kg body weight.
Note: This injection should be administered by a healthcare professional only.
Administration
For IM injection only. Administered by healthcare professionals. Patient should not self-administer. Inject deep into the gluteus medius muscle (using a long needle).
Missed dose
Hospital-only medicine. Administered by doctor or nurse. Missed dose concept does not apply (hospital-administered).
Side effects
If administered too rapidly: Nausea, vomiting, hot flushes, sweating, hypotension, and vasomotor collapse (possibly fatal).
Injection site inflammation may occur.
Precautions & warnings
- Avoid rapid administration (may cause serious side effects).
- Caution in impaired renal function, cardiac disease, hypercalcemia-associated diseases (e.g., sarcoidosis), and other malignancies.
- Caution during pregnancy.
- Do not use in patients receiving cardiac glycosides (digitalis).
Contraindications
- Patients receiving cardiac glycosides (digitalis)
- Renal failure
- Severe hypercalciuria
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypersensitivity to any ingredient
Drug interactions
- Thiazide diuretics: Coadministration with high calcium doses may result in milk-alkali syndrome and hypercalcemia.
- Digitalis (digoxin): Calcium may potentiate digoxin toxicity.
- Calcium-channel blockers: Calcium decreases their effects.
- Calcitriol (vitamin D metabolite): Enhances calcium absorption.
Food interactions
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Calcium Gluconate; please consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
May be unsafe during pregnancy (Category C). Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus (teratogenic/embryocidal); no controlled human studies available. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Safe during breastfeeding (if prescribed). Human studies suggest the drug does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts and is not harmful to the baby.
Pediatric use
Children: Half the adult dose. IM route is not recommended for children.
Geriatric use
No specific dose adjustment required for elderly, but caution advised (considering renal function and cardiac disease).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Hepatic impairment: Probably safe; dose adjustment may not be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: Hypercalcemia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, mental disturbances. Consult your doctor immediately if overdose is suspected.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Calcium Gluconate