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