Calcium gluconate is a calcium supplement to prevent or overcomelow calcium level in blood (hypocalcemia). In addition, this drug can also be used in the treatment of osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, or hypoparathyroidism.
Calcium is a type of mineral that is needed to maintain healthy bones, muscles, and nerve cells. Calcium needs can be met by eating foods that are high in calcium, such as milk, cereal, fish, yogurt, or cheese.
When calcium from food alone is not enough, for example due to certain medical conditions, additional intake of supplements containing calcium is required.
Calcium gluconate trademark:Calcium Gluconate, Curvit, Kalsis, Takana, Bayer Tonic, Truvit
What is Calcium Gluconate
| group | Prescription and over-the-counter drugs |
| Category | Mineral supplements |
| Benefit | Overcoming the condition of calcium deficiency |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Calcium gluconate for pregnant and lactating women | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Calcium gluconate can be absorbed into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of using calcium gluconate while breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Capsules, caplets, syrups, injections |
Precautions Before Using Calcium Gluconate
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use calcium gluconate if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, heart disease, kidney stones, cancer, parathyroid gland disease, hypercalcemia, low stomach acid (achlorhydria), sarcoidosis, pancreatic disease, or malabsorption.
- Consult calcium gluconate if you have phenylketonuria or another condition that requires you to limit your intake of aspartame or phenylalanine, as some calcium gluconate products may contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener).
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking calcium gluconate.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Calcium Gluconate
Calcium gluconate is only given on the advice of a doctor. The following are general doses of calcium gluconate based on the form of the drug, the condition, and the age of the patient:
Condition: Hypocalcemia
Form: Capsules, caplets, syrup (oral)
- Mature: For mild to moderate hypocalcemia, the dose is 1000–3000 mg per day, divided into several doses.
- Children: For mild to moderate hypocalcemia, the dose is 500-725 mg/kg/BW per day divided into 5-6 doses.
Shape: Inject
- Mature: For mild to moderate hypocalcemia the dose is 1000–2,000 mg over 2 hours.
- Children: For severe hypocalcemia the dose is 200–500 mg/kg/BW per day by continuous infusion or divided into 4 doses.
Condition:Hypocalcemic tetany
Drug form: Injectable
- Mature: 10–20 ml by slow injection. Dosage may be followed by an infusion to prevent recurrence. The maximum infusion rate is 2 ml/min.
- Newborn baby: 1–2 ml/kg by slow injection over 10–20 minutes, followed by 0.5–1 ml/kg per day by infusion over 1–2 days.
Condition: Osteoporosis
Drug form: Capsules, caplets, syrup (oral)
- Mature: 1000–1500 mg per day in divided doses.
How to Use Calcium Gluconate Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before using calcium gluconate. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Injectable calcium gluconate will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous / IV) as recommended by the doctor.
To take calcium gluconate in syrup form, shake the bottle before using the medication. Use the measuring spoon provided in the medicine package for a more precise dose.
Calcium gluconate caplets, capsules, or syrup can be taken with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take calcium gluconate regularly at the same time each day.
During treatment with calcium gluconate, your doctor may ask you to have regular blood tests to check the level of calcium in your blood and urine tests to monitor kidney function. Follow the examination schedule given by the doctor.
Store calcium gluconate in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Calcium Gluconate Interaction with Other Drugs
The following are some drug interactions that can occur when calcium gluconate is used with other drugs:
- Increased risk of developing hypercalcemia when used with thiazide diuretics, vitamin D, or vitamin A
- Increased effectiveness and risk of drug poisoning digoxin
- Decreased absorption and antagonistic effect of calcium, oral fluoroquinolones, bisphosphonates, or tetracycline
- Increased effectiveness of epinephrine
- Increased risk of deposition in the lungs and kidneys when used with ceftriaxone, especially in newborns (28 days of age)
Calcium Gluconate Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using calcium gluconate are:
- There is a chalky taste in the mouth
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Stomach ache
- Bloated
- Constipation or diarrhea
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or are actually getting worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- No appetite
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Unusual tired
- Bone or muscle pain
- Mood swings
- Dizzy like I'm going to faint
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
