Generic Name: calcium gluconate (KAL see um GLUE koe nate)Brand Names:
Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.
Calcium gluconate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.
Calcium gluconate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
have had kidney stones;
have parathyroid gland disease;
take antacids or other calcium supplements; or
take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).
You may not be able to take calcium gluconate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any of the medications, listed above.
Talk to your doctor before taking calcium gluconate if you are pregnant. In general, calcium is important for the development of an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium gluconate if you are breast-feeding. Calcium is important for the development of a breast-feeding baby.Take calcium gluconate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Swallow the calcium gluconate tablets with a full glass of water. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store calcium gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.See also: Calcium gluconate dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Symptoms of a calcium overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take calcium gluconate and notify your doctor if you experience
nausea or vomiting;
decreased appetite;
constipation;
dry mouth or increased thirst; or
increased urination.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia:
Intravenous: 500 to 2000 mg (5 to 20 mL) IV one time at a rate not to exceed 0.5 to 2 mL/min. The dose may be increased as needed. The usual daily dosage ranges from 1000 to 15,000 mg (10 to 150 mL) in divided doses or as a continuous infusion. Doses may be repeated every 1 to 3 days as needed and tolerated to normalize the serum calcium level.Oral:500 to 2000 mg orally 2 to 4 times a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Hypermagnesemia:
1000 to 2000 mg (10 to 20 mL) IV one time at a rate not to exceed 0.5 to 2 mL/min. This dose may be repeated as necessary in severe cases of hypermagnesemia (where discontinuation of exogenous magnesium is inadequate) to temporarily reverse many of the toxic effects of magnesium in the central nervous system.
Usual Adult Dose for Hyperkalemia:
500 to 3000 mg (5 to 30 mL) IV one time at a rate not to exceed 0.5 to 2 mL/min. This dose may be repeated as necessary in cases of extreme hyperkalemia cardiotoxicity when P waves are absent, the QRS complexes are widened, and when continuous ECG monitoring is available. The use of calcium does not reduce the serum potassium level, but counteracts the effects of hyperkalemia on cardiac excitability.
Usual Adult Dose for Exchange Transfusion:
300 mg (3 mL) IV one time with each 100 mL of citrated blood at a rate not to exceed 0.5 to 2 mL/min.
Usual Adult Dose for Osteoporosis:
1000 to 1500 mg/day orally in divided doses.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypocalcemia:
IV: < 1 month: 200 to 800 mg/kg/day as a continuous infusion or in divided doses every 6 hours.>= 1 month: 200 to 500 mg/kg/day as a continuous infusion or in divided doses every 6 hours.Oral: >= 1 year: 200 to 500 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses.
Before taking calcium gluconate, tell your doctor if you are taking
digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
antacids containing calcium or aluminum;
other calcium supplements;
calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or
a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).
You may not be able to take calcium gluconate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with calcium gluconate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.