Calcium Gluconate - Benefits, dosage and side effects

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Calcium gluconate is a calcium supplement to prevent or treat low levels of calcium in the blood (hypokalemia). In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, or hypoparathyroidism

Calcium is one type of mineral that is needed to maintain he althy bones, muscles, and nerve cells. Calcium needs can be met by eating foods high in calcium, such as milk, cereal, fish, yogurt, or cheese.

If calcium from food alone is not enough, for example due to certain medical conditions, additional intake of supplements containing calcium is required.

Calcium gluconate trademark: Calcium Gluconate, Curvit, Kalsis, Takana, Bayer Tonic, Truvit

What is Calcium Gluconate

Class	Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Categories	Mineral supplements
Benefits	Overcoming the condition of calcium deficiency
Used by	Adults and children
Calcium gluconate for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Calcium gluconate can be absorbed into breast milk. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using calcium gluconate while breastfeeding.
Medicine form	Capsule, caplet, syrup, injection

Warning Before Using Calcium Gluconate

Before using this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Do not use calcium gluconate if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about your history of allergies.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, heart disease, kidney stones, cancer, parathyroid gland disease, hypercalcemia, low stomach acid (achlorhydria), sarcoidosis, pancreatic disease, or malabsorption.
• Consult the use of calcium gluconate if you have phenylketonuria or another condition that requires you to limit your intake of aspartame or phenylalanine, as some calcium gluconate products may contain aspartame (artificial sweetener).
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking calcium gluconate.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Calcium Gluconate

Calcium gluconate is only given based on doctor's advice. The following are general doses of calcium gluconate based on the form of the drug, condition, and age of the patient:

Condition: Hypocalcemia

Form: Capsules, caplets, syrup (oral)

• Adults: For mild to moderate hypocalcemia the dose is 1000–3000 mg per day, which is divided into several doses.
• Children: For mild to moderate hypocalcemia, the dose is 500–725 mg/kg/BW per day divided into 5-6 doses.

Shape: Inject

• Adults: For mild to moderate hypocalcemia the dose is 1000–2,000 mg for 2 hours.
• Children: For severe hypocalcemia the dose is 200–500 mg/kg/BW per day by continuous infusion or divided into 4 doses.

Condition: Hypocalcaemic tetany

Form of medicine: Injectable

• Adult: 10–20 ml by slow injection. Dosage may be followed by an infusion to prevent recurrence. Maximum infusion rate is 2 ml/min.
• Newborn: 1–2 ml/kg by slow injection over 10–20 minutes, followed by 0.5–1 ml/kg per day by infusion for 1 –2 days.

Condition: Osteoporosis

Form of medicine: Capsules, caplets, syrup (oral)

• Adults: 1000–1500 mg per day in divided doses.

How to Use Calcium Gluconate Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before using calcium gluconate. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.

Injectable calcium gluconate will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous/IV) as recommended by the doctor.

To take calcium gluconate in syrup form, shake the bottle first before using the medicine. Use the measuring spoon provided in the medicine package for a more precise dose.

Calcium gluconate caplets, capsules, or syrups can be taken with food or immediately after meals. Try to take calcium gluconate regularly at the same time every day.

During treatment with calcium gluconate, your doctor may ask you to have regular blood tests to check the level of calcium in your blood and urine tests to monitor kidney function. Follow the examination schedule given by the doctor.

Store calcium gluconate in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Calcium Gluconate with Other Drugs

The following are some drug interactions that can occur when calcium gluconate is used with other drugs:

• Increased risk of hypercalcemia when used with thiazide diuretics, vitamin D, or vitamin A
• Increasing the effectiveness and risk of digoxin drug poisoning
• Decreased absorption and effect of calcium antagonists, oral fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, or tetracycline
• Increase the effectiveness of epinephrine
• Increased risk of deposition in the lungs and kidneys when used with ceftriaxone, especially in newborns (28 days of age)

Side Effects and Dangers of Calcium Gluconate

Some of the side effects that can occur after using calcium gluconate are:

• A chalky taste appears in the mouth
• Tingling in hands or feet
• stomach ache
• stomach bloating
• Constipation or diarrhea

Consult your doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• No appetite
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• Unusual tired
• bone or muscle pain
• Mood changes
• Dizzy like I'm about to pass out
• Slow or irregular heartbeat