Calcium Gluconate

Category:

  • Electrolyte and water

Description:

  • Electrolyte (element)

Indications:

  • Hypocalcemic tetany, hypocalcemia related to hypoparathyroidism and due to rapid growth of pregnancy

  • Black widow spider bites to relieve muscle cramping

  • Hyperkalemia (if patient is not digitalized)

Contraindications:

  • Ventricular fibrillation

  • Hypercalcemia

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C

  • Inject very slowly (1.5 ml/min)

  • Use only if calcium compound if indications are clearly defined in a digitalized patient

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • FAST administration: tingling sensations, sense of oppression “heat waves”

  • vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia

  • cardiac arrhythmias, syncope and cardiac arrest

Dosage:

Administered SLOW intravenous infusion ONLY  

The dose is dependent on the requirements of the individual patient.

Usual dose:

  • Adult: 0.5-2g (5-20ml)

  • Child: 200-500mg (2-5ml)

  • Infant: Not more than 200mg (2ml)

Solution must be clear (no precipitate present) prior to use.  If present, a precipitate may be dissolved by warming vial to 60-80 degrees C (140-176 degrees F), with occasional agitation, until the solution becomes clear.  Shake vigorously. Allow to cool to room temperature before dispensing.

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300   


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