Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
injectable solution
- 100mg/mL (10%)
tablet
- 50mg
- 500mg
- 650mg
capsule
- 500mg
Calcium Supplementation
19-50 years old: 1000 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
>50 years old: 1200 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
Pregnant or breastfeeding patient: 1000/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
Dosing considerations
- Dietary reference intakes are expressed as elemental calcium
Hypocalcemia
Treatment of conditions arising from calcium deficiency (eg, hypocalcemic tetany, hypoparathyroidism)
Mild (ionized calcium 1-1.2 mmol/L)
- Management of non-life-threatening symptoms
- PO: 1-3 g/day in divided doses; oral repletion may be considered and administered on outpatient basis
- IV: 1-2 g over 2 hours
Severe (ionized calcium <1 mmol/L)
- Without seizure or tetany: 0.5 mg/kg/hr IV; may be increased to 2 mg/kg/hr; not to exceed 3-4 g IV over 4 hours
- Hypocalcemic tetany: 100-300 mg elemental calcium (~3 g calcium gluconate) IV over 5-10 minutes, followed by continuous IV infusion at 0.5 mg/kg/hr (may be increased to 2 mg/kg/hr)
- Monitor serum calcium q4-6hr to maintain serum calcium levels
Cardiac Arrest (Off-label)
Management of cardiac arrest only in presence of hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, or hypermagnesemia (routine use for cardiac arrest not recommended, because it yields no improvement in survival)
1.5-3 g IV over 2-5 minutes
Hydrofluoric Acid Burn (Off-label)
Immediately irrigate skin with tap water; lavage should occur immediately at hydrofluoric acid burn site for 15-30 min
After irrigation, apply calcium gluconate 2.5-5% gel to the affected area q30min initially, then q4hr afterwards for ~3-4 days
If gel is unavailable, calcium gluconate gel can be made with a water-soluble lubricant (eg, K-Y Jelly), added to calcium gluconate solution or calcium gluconate powder (75 mL water-soluble lubricant plus 25 mL of 10% calcium gluconate or 100 mL of water-soluble lubricant plus 2.5 g of calcium gluconate) (Mckee 2014)
SC: 10% calcium gluconate, no more than 0.5 mL/cm² of skin; do not use in digits
If topical and/or SC do not work, consider intra-arterial
Intra-arterial calcium infusion for moderate to severe burns: Infuse 10 mL 10% calcium gluconate mixed with 40-50 mL D5W over 4 hours, repeating as needed (need to indicate with high-pressure pump)
Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose (Off-label)
60-120 mg/kg/hr IV or 60 mg/kg IV over 5 minutes every 10-20 minutes PRN up to 3-4 doses; not to exceed 3-4 g/dose
Hyperkalemia (Off-label)
1.5-3 g IV infused over 2-5 minutes
Hypermagnesemia (Off-label)
1.5-3 g IV infused over 2-5 minutes
Dosage Forms & Strengths
injectable solution
- 100mg/mL (10%)
tablet
- 50mg
- 500mg
- 650mg
Calcium Supplementation
0-6 months old: 210 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
7-12 months old: 270 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
1-3 years old: 500 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
4-8 years old: 800 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
9-18 years old: 1300 mg/day PO divided q8-12hr, preferably 1-2 hours after meals
Dosing considerations
- Dietary reference intakes are expressed as elemental calcium
Hypocalcemia
Treatment of conditions arising from calcium deficiency (eg, hypocalcemic tetany, hypoparathyroidism)
Mild
- Neonates: 500-1500 mg/kg/day PO divided q4-6hr
- Infants/children: 500-725 mg/kg/day PO divided q6-8hr
Severe
- Neonates: 200-800 mg/kg/day IV by continuous infusion or divided q6hr as intermittent infusions
- Infants/children: 200-500 mg/kg/day IV by continuous infusion or divided q6hr as intermittent infusions
Hypocalcemic tetany
- 100-200 mg/kg IV over 10 minutes; may be repeated after 6 hours, or initiate continuous infusion not to exceed 500 mg/kg/day
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (1)
- ceftriaxone
ceftriaxone, calcium gluconate. Other (see comment). Contraindicated. Comment: Do not use ANY calcium containing solutions (including Ringer or Harmann) in combination with IV ceftriaxone; risk of potentially fatal particulate precipitation in lungs, kidneys. Separate by at least 48 hrs.
Serious - Use Alternative (7)
- baloxavir marboxil
calcium gluconate will decrease the level or effect of baloxavir marboxil by cation binding in GI tract. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Baloxavir may bind to polyvalent cations resulting in decreased absorption. Studies in monkeys showed concurrent use with calcium, aluminum, or iron caused significantly decreased plasma levels. Human studies not conducted.
- demeclocycline
calcium gluconate, demeclocycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- doxycycline
calcium gluconate, doxycycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- eltrombopag
calcium gluconate decreases levels of eltrombopag by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Contraindicated. Separate by at least 4 hours.
- minocycline
calcium gluconate, minocycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- oxytetracycline
calcium gluconate, oxytetracycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
- tetracycline
calcium gluconate, tetracycline. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Separate by 2 hours.
Monitor Closely (53)
- acebutolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of acebutolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- alendronate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of alendronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- amlodipine
calcium gluconate decreases effects of amlodipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- atenolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of atenolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- betaxolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of betaxolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- bisoprolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of bisoprolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- carvedilol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of carvedilol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- celiprolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of celiprolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ciprofloxacin
calcium gluconate decreases effects of ciprofloxacin by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Ciprofloxacin should be administered 2 hr before or 6 hr after calcium salts.
- clevidipine
calcium gluconate decreases effects of clevidipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- deferiprone
calcium gluconate decreases levels of deferiprone by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Deferiprone may bind polyvalent cations (eg, iron, aluminum, and zinc), separate administration by at least 4 hr between deferiprone and other medications (eg, antacids), or supplements containing these polyvalent cations.
- delafloxacin
calcium gluconate will decrease the level or effect of delafloxacin by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Oral delafloxacin form chelates with alkaline earth and transition metal cations. Administer oral delafloxacin at least 2 hr before or 6 hr after these agents.
- digoxin
calcium gluconate increases effects of digoxin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- diltiazem
calcium gluconate decreases effects of diltiazem by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- esmolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of esmolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- estramustine
calcium gluconate decreases levels of estramustine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Patients should take estramustine with water at least 1h before or 2h after meals.
- etidronate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of etidronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- felodipine
calcium gluconate decreases effects of felodipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- fleroxacin
calcium gluconate, fleroxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- gemifloxacin
calcium gluconate, gemifloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- ibandronate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of ibandronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- isradipine
calcium gluconate decreases effects of isradipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- labetalol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of labetalol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- levofloxacin
calcium gluconate, levofloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- levothyroxine
calcium gluconate decreases levels of levothyroxine by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate administration by 4 hours.
- metoprolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of metoprolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- moxifloxacin
calcium gluconate, moxifloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- nadolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of nadolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nebivolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of nebivolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nicardipine
calcium gluconate decreases effects of nicardipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nifedipine
calcium gluconate decreases effects of nifedipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- nisoldipine
calcium gluconate decreases effects of nisoldipine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ofloxacin
calcium gluconate, ofloxacin. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 2 hours.
- omadacycline
calcium gluconate will decrease the level or effect of omadacycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Multivalent cation-containing products may impair absorption of tetracyclines, which may decrease its efficacy. Separate dosing of tetracyclines from these products.
- pamidronate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of pamidronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- penbutolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of penbutolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- pindolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of pindolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- potassium phosphates, IV
calcium gluconate decreases effects of potassium phosphates, IV by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Calcium decreases serum phosphate concentration by binding dietary phosphate. Use alternatives if available.
- propranolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of propranolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- rilpivirine
calcium gluconate decreases levels of rilpivirine by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Coadministration of antacids with rilpivirine may cause significant decreases in rilpivirine plasma concentrations because of increased gastric pH. If antacids must be administered, they should given at least 2 hr before or at least 4 hr after rilpivirine.
- risedronate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of risedronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- sarecycline
calcium gluconate will decrease the level or effect of sarecycline by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Multivalent cation-containing products may impair absorption of tetracyclines, which may decrease its efficacy. Separate dosing of tetracyclines from these products.
- sodium phosphates, IV
calcium gluconate decreases effects of sodium phosphates, IV by cation binding in GI tract. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Calcium decreases serum phosphate concentration by binding dietary phosphate. Use alternatives if available.
- sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride
sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride increases toxicity of calcium gluconate by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Coadministration with medications that cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and renal impairment.
- sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate
sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate increases toxicity of calcium gluconate by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Coadministration with medications that cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities may increase the risk of adverse events of seizure, arrhythmias, and renal impairment.
- sotalol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of sotalol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- squill
calcium gluconate increases toxicity of squill by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- strontium ranelate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of strontium ranelate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Applies to oral form of calcium. Separate by 2 hr.
- tiludronate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of tiludronate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
- timolol
calcium gluconate decreases effects of timolol by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- verapamil
calcium gluconate decreases effects of verapamil by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- vitamin D
vitamin D, calcium gluconate. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: The concurrent use of vitamin D with calcium salts is generally beneficial; in some patients this combination may result in hypercalcemia.
- zoledronic acid
calcium gluconate decreases levels of zoledronic acid by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor. Separate by 30 minutes.
Minor (50)
- amikacin
amikacin decreases levels of calcium gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- amiloride
amiloride decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- bendroflumethiazide
bendroflumethiazide increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- budesonide
budesonide decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- bumetanide
bumetanide decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- caffeine
caffeine decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- calcitriol topical
calcitriol topical increases levels of calcium gluconate by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Topical calcitriol may lead to hypercalcemia.
- carbonyl iron
calcium gluconate decreases levels of carbonyl iron by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
carbonyl iron increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - chlorothiazide
chlorothiazide increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- chlorthalidone
chlorthalidone increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- cortisone
cortisone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- cyclopenthiazide
cyclopenthiazide increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- deflazacort
deflazacort decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- dexamethasone
dexamethasone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- drospirenone
drospirenone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ethacrynic acid
ethacrynic acid decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- ferric maltol
ferric maltol increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
calcium gluconate decreases levels of ferric maltol by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - ferrous fumarate
calcium gluconate decreases levels of ferrous fumarate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
ferrous fumarate increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - ferrous gluconate
ferrous gluconate increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
calcium gluconate decreases levels of ferrous gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - ferrous sulfate
ferrous sulfate increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- fludrocortisone
fludrocortisone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- furosemide
furosemide decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- gentamicin
gentamicin decreases levels of calcium gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- hydrochlorothiazide
hydrochlorothiazide increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- hydrocortisone
hydrocortisone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- indapamide
indapamide increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- iron dextran complex
calcium gluconate decreases levels of iron dextran complex by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
iron dextran complex increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - iron sucrose
calcium gluconate decreases levels of iron sucrose by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
iron sucrose increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - isoniazid
isoniazid decreases levels of calcium gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- isotretinoin
isotretinoin increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- lily of the valley
calcium gluconate increases effects of lily of the valley by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- manganese
calcium gluconate, manganese. Either decreases levels of the other by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Separate by 2 hours.
- methyclothiazide
methyclothiazide increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- methylprednisolone
methylprednisolone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- metolazone
metolazone increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis, hypercalcemia.
- neomycin PO
neomycin PO decreases levels of calcium gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- paromomycin
paromomycin decreases levels of calcium gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- polysaccharide iron
calcium gluconate decreases levels of polysaccharide iron by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
polysaccharide iron increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - prednisolone
prednisolone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- prednisone
prednisone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- rose hips
calcium gluconate decreases levels of rose hips by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
rose hips increases levels of calcium gluconate by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. - shark cartilage
calcium gluconate, shark cartilage. pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. May lead to hypercalcemia (theoretical).
- sodium polystyrene sulfonate
sodium polystyrene sulfonate increases levels of calcium gluconate by decreasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown. Risk of alkalosis.
- spironolactone
spironolactone decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- streptomycin
streptomycin decreases levels of calcium gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- teriparatide
teriparatide increases levels of calcium gluconate by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- tobramycin
tobramycin decreases levels of calcium gluconate by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- torsemide
torsemide decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension
triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- triamterene
triamterene decreases levels of calcium gluconate by increasing renal clearance. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Headache
Constipation
Diarrhea
Flatulence
Nausea
Vomiting
Hypomagnesemia
Hypophosphatemia
Extravasation necrosis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
IM/SC administration
Ventricular fibrillation during CPR
Hypercalcemia
Digoxin poisonings
Sarcoidosis
Cautions
Hepatic or renal impairment, cardiovascular disease, acidosis, history of renal calculi
Cardiac arrest may occur
Calcium gluconate injection contains aluminum, up to 100 mcg per liter
Constipation, bloating, and gas may occur with oral administration
Use caution in patients with severe hyperphosphatemia
Adult and Pediatric Advanced Life Support programs no longer recommend routine calcium for CPR
Rapid IV infusion associated with hypotension, bradycardia, syncope, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, sense of oppression or heat waves, tingling sensation, vasodilation
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Calcium enters human milk; use with caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Bone mineral component; cofoactor in enzymatic reactions, essential for neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and many signal transduction pathways
Absorption
Oral absorption requires vitamin D; absorption is increased with acidic condition; therefore, administer 1-2 hr after meals
Distribution
Protein bound: ~45% (primarily to albumin)
Elimination
Excretion: Feces as unabsorbed calcium salt (80%), urine (20%)
Administration
1 g calcium gluconate salt contains 93 mg elemental calcium
Injectable 10% solution 10% contains 100 mg/mL (ie, elemental calcium 0.465 mEq/ mL or 9.3 mg/mL)
IV Compatibilities
Additive: Aminophylline, dopamine, heparin, hydrocortisone, lidocaine, norepinephrine, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, vancomycin, verapamil, vitamins B and C
Y-site: Cefazolin, dobutamine, epinephrine, heparin, potassium chloride, vitamins B and C
Not specific: Erythromycin
IV Incompatibilities
Additive: Amphotericin B, dobutamine
Y-site: Ampicillin, sodium bicarbonate
Not specific: Clindamycin, tetracycline
IV Preparation
May be given diluted or undiluted
Solution may be diluted in NS, D5W (mix in up to 1000 mL), or 2/3-1/3
Store at room temperature
Do not mix in same bag or line with carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, and tartrates, because of precipitation
IV Administration
May administer IV push at rate of 50-100 mg/min (0.5-1 mL/min); rapid IV administration may produce arrhythmias, hypotension, myocardial infarction, or vasodilation
For intermittent IV infusion, maximum rate is 200 mg/min (2 mL/min)
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
calcium gluconate intravenous - | 100 mg/mL (10%) vial | ![]() | |
calcium gluconate intravenous - | 100 mg/mL (10%) vial | ![]() | |
calcium gluconate intravenous - | 100 mg/mL (10%) vial | ![]() | |
calcium gluconate intravenous - | 100 mg/mL (10%) vial | ![]() | |
calcium gluconate intravenous - | 100 mg/mL (10%) vial | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
calcium gluconate intravenous
NO MONOGRAPH AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
USES: Consult your pharmacist.
HOW TO USE: Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Consult your pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Consult your pharmacist.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Consult your pharmacist.Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: No monograph available at this time.
MISSED DOSE: Consult your pharmacist.
STORAGE: Consult your pharmacist.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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