About calcium gluconate
Calcium salt and electrolyte replacement
Used for
- Treats low blood calcium, including urgent symptomatic cases.
- Used in some cases of high blood potassium to protect the heart.
- Treats magnesium toxicity and certain calcium-channel blocker overdoses.
Usual adult dose
Varies by reason and blood tests; given slowly by intravenous injection or infusion with heart monitoring when needed.
Usual dose in children
Varies by age, weight, condition, and blood tests; given intravenously under medical supervision.
Common side effects
- Warmth, flushing, nausea, or tingling.
- Slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, or fainting.
- Tissue injury if the injection leaks outside the vein.
- High blood calcium with excessive dosing.
Important warnings
- Intravenous use requires careful administration; rapid injection can cause serious heart problems.
- Monitor blood calcium and heart rhythm during urgent treatment.
- Avoid mixing with phosphate- or bicarbonate-containing solutions; precipitation can occur.
- Use extra caution with kidney disease or medicines that affect heart rhythm.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically needed; dosing should be guided by maternal calcium levels and medical supervision.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible when medically needed; excessive maternal calcium may affect milk calcium levels.
Interactions
- Digoxin: increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
- Calcium can reduce absorption of tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics when taken together.
- Thiazide diuretics may increase risk of high blood calcium.
- Do not mix in the same infusion with phosphate or bicarbonate solutions.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.