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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Calcium Gluconate
Generic Name
Calcium Gluconate
Active Ingredient
CalciumCategory
Vitamin C [EPC]
Salt Form
Chloride
Variants
24
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Calcium Gluconate, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 98 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 70069-727 |
| 98 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 70069-728 |
| 20 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 80830-2363 |
| 98 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 0143-9185 |
| 98 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 63323-360 |
| 98 mg/mL | INJECTION | INTRAVENOUS | 80830-1672 |
| 20 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 80830-2362 |
| 20 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 65219-162 |
| 98 mg/mL | INJECTION, SOLUTION | INTRAVENOUS | 70518-4355 |
+ 12 more variants
Detailed information about Calcium Gluconate
Calcium (as Calcium Chloride) is a vital mineral and electrolyte used to treat acute hypocalcemia, cardiac arrest, and magnesium toxicity. It belongs to the pharmacological class of Calcium [EPC] and is essential for nerve, muscle, and skeletal health.
Dosage must be individualized based on the patient's clinical condition and serum calcium levels.
Pediatric dosing is strictly weight-based and must be managed by a specialist.
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require careful monitoring of the calcium-phosphorus product. Dose reductions may be necessary to prevent soft tissue calcification.
No specific dose adjustments are generally required for hepatic impairment, as calcium is not metabolized by the liver.
Lower initial doses are often recommended due to the increased prevalence of cardiac comorbidities and potential for decreased renal function.
For the chloride form, administration is almost exclusively intravenous. It must be injected slowly (not exceeding 0.5 to 1 mL/min) to prevent high localized concentrations which can cause cardiac arrest. It is ideally administered through a central line to avoid tissue necrosis (death of tissue) associated with extravasation (leaking into surrounding skin).
Since Calcium Chloride is usually administered in a clinical or emergency setting by healthcare professionals, missed doses are rare. If you are taking oral calcium supplements at home, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Signs of calcium overdose (hypercalcemia) include lethargy, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, it can lead to coma or cardiac arrest. Emergency treatment involves vigorous hydration with normal saline and potentially the use of loop diuretics or bisphosphonates.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
Patients receiving Calcium Chloride injections may experience:
Calcium Chloride is a potent medication that must be handled with extreme caution. It is significantly more irritating to tissues than calcium gluconate. It should never be injected into the myocardium (heart muscle) or the subarachnoid space.
There are no formal FDA black box warnings for Calcium Chloride, but clinical guidelines treat its administration with the highest level of precaution due to its corrosive nature to tissues.
Calcium Chloride must NEVER be used in the following situations:
Calcium is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C (older system). While calcium is a normal constituent of human blood and is essential for fetal skeletal development, high doses of intravenous calcium chloride should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), maintaining adequate calcium is vital for preventing preeclampsia, but medical intervention must be carefully titrated.
Calcium is naturally excreted in breast milk. Supplemental calcium is generally considered safe for nursing mothers and may even be necessary to maintain maternal bone density. However, the effects of high-dose intravenous chloride on the nursing infant have not been extensively studied.
Calcium Chloride is used in pediatric emergencies, but it is considered a high-alert medication. It can cause severe damage to small veins. Growth monitoring is generally not required for acute use, but long-term supplementation in children must be supervised by a pediatrician to avoid premature closure of growth plates.
Calcium Chloride acts as an exogenous source of calcium ions. These ions are vital for the 'all-or-none' response of nerve fibers and the contraction of all muscle types. In the cardiac muscle, calcium facilitates the interaction between actin and myosin filaments. It also acts as an acidifying agent by releasing chloride ions, which can help correct certain types of metabolic alkalosis.
The onset of action for intravenous Calcium Chloride is immediate. The duration of effect depends on the patient's underlying calcium status and renal function, typically lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours. It does not typically lead to tolerance, but the body's homeostatic mechanisms (PTH and Vitamin D) will work to normalize levels quickly.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 100% (IV) |
| Protein Binding | ~40% (to Albumin) |
Common questions about Calcium Gluconate
Calcium, particularly in the form of Calcium Chloride, is used by healthcare providers to treat emergency medical conditions such as acute hypocalcemia, which is a dangerously low level of calcium in the blood. It is also a critical medication used during cardiac resuscitation to help the heart muscle contract more effectively, especially if high potassium levels are present. Additionally, it serves as an antidote for magnesium toxicity, which can occur during the treatment of preeclampsia or from accidental overdose. In some cases, it is used off-label to treat toxicity from calcium channel blocker medications. It is also essential for maintaining bone health and proper nerve function in non-emergency settings.
The most common side effects associated with intravenous calcium administration include a sudden feeling of warmth or flushing throughout the body and a chalky or metallic taste in the mouth. Some patients may experience mild nausea, sweating, or a temporary drop in blood pressure immediately following the injection. If taken orally as a supplement, the most frequent side effects are constipation, gas, and bloating. While these effects are usually temporary, they should be reported to a healthcare provider if they persist. Rapid intravenous administration can lead to more serious heart rhythm changes, which is why it is given slowly.
While there is no direct, fatal interaction between alcohol and calcium, chronic alcohol consumption can significantly impair the body's ability to absorb and use calcium. Alcohol interferes with the production of Vitamin D, which is necessary for calcium absorption, and can lead to increased calcium loss through the urine. Over time, this can weaken the bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis. If you are being treated with intravenous calcium for an emergency, alcohol should be avoided entirely during recovery. For those taking daily supplements, it is best to limit alcohol intake to ensure the medication remains effective. Always discuss your lifestyle habits with your doctor.
Calcium is generally considered safe and is actually essential during pregnancy for the development of the baby's skeleton and for the mother's health. According to clinical guidelines, adequate calcium intake can help prevent pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia and high blood pressure. However, the use of high-dose intravenous Calcium Chloride is typically reserved for emergency situations where the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Pregnant women should not start high-dose calcium supplements without consulting their obstetrician, as excessive levels can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. Your healthcare provider will determine the safest dosage for your specific needs.
The onset of action for Calcium Chloride depends entirely on how it is administered. When given intravenously in an emergency setting, the effects on the heart and blood calcium levels are almost immediate, occurring within seconds to minutes. This rapid action is why it is preferred in cardiac arrest or severe tetany. If taken orally as a supplement, it may take several hours for the calcium to be absorbed through the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream. The full benefits for bone health from oral supplements may not be seen for weeks or months of consistent use. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels to ensure the treatment is working.
Stopping calcium suddenly depends on why you are taking it. If you are receiving intravenous calcium for an acute deficiency, your healthcare provider will manage the transition to oral therapy to prevent a relapse of symptoms like muscle spasms. For those taking oral supplements for bone health, stopping suddenly is generally not life-threatening but may lead to a gradual decline in bone density over time. However, patients with chronic conditions like hypoparathyroidism must never stop calcium without medical supervision, as it could lead to a dangerous drop in blood levels. Always consult your doctor before changing or stopping any prescribed supplement regimen.
If you miss a dose of an oral calcium supplement, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule; do not take two doses at once to make up for the one you missed. For patients receiving intravenous calcium in a hospital, the medical staff will ensure the timing is correct, so a missed dose is unlikely. If you are on a strict medical protocol for a condition like hypocalcemia, missing a dose could cause symptoms to return. Contact your healthcare provider if you miss several doses and begin to feel muscle twitching or numbness.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that calcium, in either its injectable or oral forms, causes significant weight gain. In fact, some clinical studies have explored the possibility that adequate calcium intake might assist with weight management or fat loss, though the results are not definitive. If you notice sudden weight gain or swelling while taking calcium, it may be a sign of a different underlying issue, such as fluid retention or a kidney problem. It is important to discuss any unexpected changes in your weight with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if the change is related to your medication or another health condition.
Calcium can interact with a wide variety of other medications, often by preventing their absorption in the stomach. For example, it should not be taken at the same time as certain antibiotics (like tetracyclines or quinolones) or bone-building drugs called bisphosphonates. More seriously, intravenous calcium can cause life-threatening heart problems if given to someone taking digoxin. It can also interact with blood pressure medications like thiazide diuretics, which can cause calcium levels to become too high. Because of these risks, it is vital to provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications and herbal supplements you are currently taking.
Yes, Calcium Chloride is widely available as a generic medication and is produced by numerous pharmaceutical manufacturers. Because it is a basic mineral salt, generic versions are just as effective as any brand-name products that may exist. Generic availability helps keep the cost of this essential medication low for both hospitals and patients. In an emergency setting, the generic form is the standard of care. If you are purchasing oral supplements, you will find many generic options for calcium carbonate or citrate as well. Your pharmacist can help you choose a high-quality generic version that meets your specific nutritional or medical needs.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Calcium)
> Warning: Stop taking Calcium and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Prolonged use or high doses of calcium can lead to the formation of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) and the calcification of soft tissues, including blood vessels and heart valves. Regular monitoring of blood levels is required for long-term therapy.
No FDA black box warnings are currently issued for Calcium Chloride. However, the FDA emphasizes the extreme risk of tissue necrosis if the drug is not administered strictly into a vein.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Patients receiving intravenous calcium require continuous or frequent monitoring of:
Calcium Chloride itself does not typically cause impairment; however, the conditions it treats (like severe hypocalcemia) may cause dizziness or weakness. Do not drive until you know how the treatment affects you.
Alcohol can interfere with calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of osteoporosis and may complicate the management of calcium levels.
Sudden discontinuation of calcium in patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism can lead to a rapid drop in calcium levels and tetany (muscle spasms). Tapering or transition to oral therapy should be managed by a physician.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Calcium.
Calcium administration can falsely elevate or depress various lab results, including serum magnesium and phosphate levels. It may also affect the results of certain bone scans.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
There is no known cross-sensitivity between calcium chloride and unrelated drug classes, but patients sensitive to other calcium salts (like gluconate) should be monitored closely.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Calcium.
Older adults are at higher risk for hypercalcemia and kidney stones. Furthermore, many seniors take digoxin or thiazide diuretics, which significantly increases the risk of dangerous drug interactions. Renal function (GFR) should be assessed before initiating therapy.
In patients with a GFR below 30 mL/min, calcium must be used with extreme caution. These patients often have high phosphate levels; adding calcium can lead to the formation of calcium-phosphate crystals in the blood vessels.
No specific adjustments are needed for patients with liver disease, though these patients often have low albumin levels, which can make 'total calcium' lab results misleading. 'Ionized calcium' levels should be monitored instead.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
| Half-life | Variable (Homeostatically regulated) |
| Tmax | Immediate (IV) |
| Metabolism | None (Elemental) |
| Excretion | Renal (20%), Fecal (80%) |
Calcium Chloride is categorized as an electrolyte and a mineral supplement. It is closely related to Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Carbonate, though it is more potent and irritating than other forms.