Calcium gluconate
Encyclopedia
Calcium gluconate is a mineral supplement.

Hypocalcemia

10% calcium gluconate solution is the form of calcium most widely used in the treatment of hypocalcemia. This form of calcium is superior to calcium lactate
Calcium lactate
Calcium lactate is a white crystalline salt made by the action of lactic acid on calcium carbonate. It is used in foods and given medicinally. Its E number is E327.Calcium lactate is often found in aged cheeses...

, but it only contains 0.93% (930mg/100ml) calcium ion. Calcium gluconate is a salt of calcium and gluconic acid
Gluconic acid
Gluconic acid is an organic compound with molecular formula C6H12O7 and condensed structural formula HOCH24COOH. It is one of the 16 stereoisomers of 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid....

. IV form may be given PO, if order by Doctor.

Magnesium sulfate overdose

It is also used to counteract an overdose of magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulfate
Magnesium sulfate is a chemical compound containing magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, with the formula MgSO4. It is often encountered as the heptahydrate epsomite , commonly called Epsom salt, from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where the salt was distilled from the springs that arise where the...

, which is often administered to pregnant women in order to prophylactically prevent seizures (as in patient experiencing preeclampsia). Magnesium sulfate is also given to pregnant women who are experiencing premature labor in order to slow or stop their contractions. Excess magnesium sulfate results in magnesium sulfate toxicity, which results in both respiratory depression and a loss of deep tendon reflexes (hyporeflexia
Hyporeflexia
Hyporeflexia is the condition of below normal or absent reflexes. It can be tested for by using a reflex hammer. It is the opposite of hyperreflexia....

). Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity.

Treatment of HF burns

Gel
Gel
A gel is a solid, jelly-like material that can have properties ranging from soft and weak to hard and tough. Gels are defined as a substantially dilute cross-linked system, which exhibits no flow when in the steady-state...

 preparations of calcium gluconate are used to treat hydrofluoric acid
Hydrofluoric acid
Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water. It is a valued source of fluorine and is the precursor to numerous pharmaceuticals such as fluoxetine and diverse materials such as PTFE ....

 burns.

Use in Hyperkalemia

Calcium gluconate is also used as a cardioprotective agent in hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia refers to the condition in which the concentration of the electrolyte potassium in the blood is elevated...

. Though it does not have an effect on potassium levels in the blood, it reduces the excitability of cardiomyocytes thus lowering the likelihood of developing cardiac arrhythmias.

Side Effects

Calcium gluconate side effects include nausea, constipation, stomach upset. Extravasation of calcium gluconate can lead to cellulitis. It is also reported that this form of calcium increases renal plasma flow, diuresis, natriuresis, glomerular filtration rate, and prostaglandin E2 and F1-alpha levels.

Rapid intravenous injections of calcium gluconate may cause vasodilation, cardiac arrhythmias, decreased blood pressure, and bradycardia. Intramuscular injections may lead to local necrosis and abscess formation.

See also

  • Calcium lactate gluconate
    Calcium lactate gluconate
    Calcium lactate gluconate also known as GLOCAL is a soluble salt of calcium, lactic acid and gluconic acid often used in effervescent calcium tablets. Its chemical formula is Ca56.4.2H2O. It was first developed by Sandoz, Switzerland...

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