Calcium gluconate: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Calcium Gluconate?

What is calcium gluconate used for?

Calcium gluconate or calcium gluconate is a drug used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels for people who don't have enough calcium from the foods they eat.

This drug can also treat calcium deficiency caused by several conditions such as:

• bone loss (osteoporosis)
• weak bones (rickets)
• reduced performance of the parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism)
• some muscle problems (latent tetany)

In addition, another function of the calcium glconate drug is for patients who must have sufficient calcium, for example:

• pregnant women
• menopausal women
• people who are being treated with certain medications, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital or prednisone.

Calcium has a very important role in the body because it is very beneficial for blood vessels, body cells, muscles and bones. If the blood is deficient in calcium, the body will take calcium from the bones, resulting in bone loss.

Therefore, calcium gluconate can also be used to maintain body calcium levels in people who experience:

• impaired kidney function
• liver disfunction
• on dialysis

How is calcium gluconate used?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this drug orally with or without food. Follow the rules given on the packaging or by your doctor. If the drug you are taking is 600 milligrams, you should divide the drug into a day of use so that it is completely absorbed. However, if you are unsure, consult your doctor before doing so.

Things that need to be considered in the use of calcium gluconate drugs are:

• chew the whole medication before swallowing, if you are using chewables.
• You must let the tablets dissolve completely in a glass of drinking water, if you are using the drug dissolves tablets. Don't chew or swallow it.
• if you are taking the drug in liquid form, make sure you take it with a spoon or other measuring device according to the dose given. Don't use a kitchen spoon. Shake the medicine bottle before consumption.

Take this medicine regularly for best results and it is recommended to take it at the same time every day.

If your doctor recommends that you follow a certain diet, you must follow it according to the doctor's directions to prevent side effects. Do not take other supplements or vitamins, unless recommended by your doctor.

Don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you feel any changes in your health condition.

How to store Calcium gluconate?

The best way to store calcium gluconate medicine is to store it at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Calcium Gluconate Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the calcium gluconate dosage for adults?

Injection dosage

500 to 2000 mg (5 to 20 mL) IV at a time and not to exceed 0.5 to 2 mL / minute.

The dosage can be changed as needed. The usual daily dose ranges from 1000 to 15,000 mg (10 to 150 mL) divided into different infusions. The same dose can be repeated for 1 to 3 days as needed.

Oral dosage

It is recommended as much as 500 to 2000 mg, 2 to 4 times a day

Meanwhile, the dose needed will vary according to conditions, such as:

• hypermagnesemia: 1000 to 2000 mg (10 to 20 mL) IV at a time and no more than 0.5 to 2 mL / minute. The dose of the drug can be repeated if needed for severe cases of hypermagnesemia (unstable amount of magnesium) to balance the magnesium in the central nervous system.
• hyperkalemia: 500 to 3000 mg (5 to 30 mL) IV at a time and no more than 0.5 to 2 mL / minute. The dose of the drug can be repeated if needed for severe cases of hyperkalemia.
• blood donors: 300 mg (3 mL) one injection with 100 mL blood citration and no more than 0.5 to 2 mL / minute. osteoporosis: 1000 to 1500 mg / day orally in multiple drinks.

What is the dosage of Calcium Gluconate for children?

For babies who are deficient in calcium, the dosage needed is as much as:

• Oral: 400 mg / day
• Infusion: 3 to 4 mEq / kg / day

For the usual daily oral dose, what is needed is:

1 to 6 months of age: 210 mg / day

Age 7 to 12 months: 270 mg / day

Age 1 to 3 years: 500 mg / day

Age 4 to 8 years: 800 mg / day

Age 9 to 18 years: 1300 mg / day

Meanwhile, when viewed from each health condition, the dosage required is as follows

Hypocalcemia (lack of calcium)

• Oral: 45 to 65 mg / kg / day divided by 4 times of use.
• Infusion: 200 to 500 mg / kg / day divided into 4 uses.

Heart attack

Infusion: 60 to 100 mg / kg / dose (maximum 3 g / dose), can be repeated in 10 minutes if needed, IV infusion is more effective.

Secondary hypocalcemia

Infusion: 0.45 mEq of elemental calcium per 100 mL of infused blood.

Muscle spasm (Tetany)

Infusion: 100 to 200 mg / kg / dose for 5 to 10 minutes, can be repeated after 6 hours or following infusion with a maximum dose of 500 mg / kg / day.

In what dosage is calcium gluconate available?

Glucagon is available in the following dosages:

• Intravenous: 10%
• Tablets, oral: 50 mg, 500 mg and 648 mg
• Capsule, oral: 500 mg

Calcium Gluconate side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to calcium gluconate?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects when using calcium gluconate are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or difficulty defecating
• Dry throat and thirst quickly
• Urinating frequently

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Calcium Gluconate Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using calcium gluconate?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this drug is safe if you:

• Have or are currently sick with kidney stones
• Parathyroid gland disorder

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this drug. The dosage you need can be different during pregnancy.

Is calcium gluconate safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk,

B = not at risk in several studies,

C = May be risky,

D = There is positive evidence of risk,

X = Contraindicated,

N = Unknown

Drug Interactions of Calcium Gluconate

What drugs may interact with calcium gluconate?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with calcium gluconate?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with calcium gluconate?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Calcium Gluconate overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.