Calcium Gluc 100mg/ml Inj, 50ml

Calcium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (cardiac, smooth, and skeletal), blood coagulation, bone formation, and maintenance of cell membrane integrity. As an antidote for hyperkalemia or magnesium toxicity, calcium ions directly antagonize the cardiotoxic effects of elevated potassium or magnesium on the myocardium, stabilizing the cardiac cell membrane potential.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high calcium levels, including:
+ Weakness
+ Confusion
+ Feeling tired
+ Headache
+ Upset stomach and vomiting
+ Constipation
+ Bone pain
Symptoms that may occur if the medication is administered too quickly, such as:
+ Flushing
+ Slow or abnormal heartbeat
+ Signs of low blood pressure, including severe dizziness or fainting
Tissue damage at the injection site, characterized by:
+ Redness
+ Burning
+ Pain
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
+ Skin sores
+ Leaking of fluid

If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your doctor or nurse immediately.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

* Constipation

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, any of its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have elevated calcium levels in your blood.
If you are currently taking ceftriaxone or digoxin.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions with this medication. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of your:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
* Health problems

Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to assess the safety of taking this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood work and laboratory tests, as directed by your doctor, are crucial to monitor your condition.

Be aware that this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is vital to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.

This medication may contain aluminum, which can increase the risk of aluminum toxicity with long-term use. This risk is particularly higher if you have kidney problems or if you are a premature infant. It is crucial to discuss this potential risk with your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you must consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Ceftriaxone (in neonates): Risk of fatal ceftriaxone-calcium precipitation in lungs and kidneys. Separate administration by at least 48 hours in other age groups, or avoid if possible.
• IV Phosphate solutions: Risk of calcium phosphate precipitation.

• Digoxin: Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and digitalis toxicity due to synergistic effects on myocardial contractility and excitability. Use with extreme caution and monitor ECG.
• Thiazide diuretics: May decrease calcium excretion, leading to hypercalcemia.
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem): Calcium gluconate may antagonize the therapeutic effects of calcium channel blockers, especially in overdose situations where calcium is used as an antidote.

• Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline): Calcium can chelate tetracyclines, reducing their absorption if administered orally. Less relevant for IV calcium gluconate, but consider if oral tetracyclines are co-administered.
• Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin): Similar to tetracyclines, calcium can chelate fluoroquinolones, reducing their absorption if administered orally. Less relevant for IV calcium gluconate.
• Iron salts (oral): Calcium can interfere with iron absorption if administered orally. Less relevant for IV calcium gluconate.

• Not many significant minor interactions for IV calcium gluconate.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Polyuria (increased urination)
• Polydipsia (increased thirst)
• Cardiac arrhythmias (palpitations, irregular heartbeat)
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

Calcium gluconate is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clinically indicated for conditions such as acute hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, or magnesium toxicity. The benefits of treatment should outweigh potential risks. Category C.

Calcium is a natural component of breast milk. Administration of calcium gluconate is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. The amount transferred into breast milk is not expected to cause adverse effects in a breastfed infant.

Dosing is weight-based and requires careful calculation. Neonates, especially premature infants, are at higher risk for adverse effects (e.g., bradycardia, hypercalcemia) due to immature renal function and smaller fluid volumes. Close monitoring of serum calcium, heart rate, and ECG is crucial.

No specific dose adjustment based on age alone. However, geriatric patients may have age-related decline in renal function, which can affect calcium excretion. Monitor renal function and serum calcium levels closely. They may also be more susceptible to cardiac effects, especially if on digoxin or with pre-existing cardiac conditions.

• Always administer calcium gluconate IV slowly (typically over 5-10 minutes for bolus doses) to minimize the risk of bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Monitor ECG continuously during rapid IV administration, especially in patients with hyperkalemia, magnesium toxicity, or those receiving digoxin.
• Do NOT administer calcium gluconate intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (SC) due to the risk of severe tissue necrosis, abscess formation, and calcification.
• Ensure proper IV access and monitor the injection site closely for signs of extravasation, which can cause severe tissue damage.
• Calcium gluconate is preferred over calcium chloride for peripheral IV administration due to less irritation and lower risk of tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs, although calcium chloride provides more elemental calcium per gram.
• Check for compatibility with other IV fluids and medications before mixing or co-administering, as precipitation can occur (e.g., with phosphate solutions, bicarbonate, or certain antibiotics like ceftriaxone).
• Ionized calcium levels provide a more accurate assessment of physiologically active calcium than total calcium levels, especially in patients with albumin abnormalities.

• Calcium Chloride (IV): Provides more elemental calcium per gram but is more irritating to veins and carries a higher risk of tissue necrosis if extravasated. Often preferred in central lines or cardiac arrest.
• Oral Calcium Supplements (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium citrate): Used for chronic hypocalcemia or dietary supplementation, not for acute emergencies.

If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance.

To ensure safe and effective use of your medication, never share your prescription with others, and do not take medication that has been prescribed to someone else.

Store all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.

Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is crucial. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. If you are unsure about the proper disposal method, consult with your pharmacist, who can provide guidance on safe disposal practices or inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area.

Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet; check with your pharmacist to see if this applies to your prescription. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, it is important to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, as this will aid in providing appropriate treatment and care.