Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 100ml

Calcium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in many physiological processes, including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, cardiac function, bone formation, and blood coagulation. Administered intravenously, calcium gluconate rapidly increases serum calcium levels. In hyperkalemia, it stabilizes the cardiac membrane by increasing the threshold potential, thereby antagonizing the cardiotoxic effects of potassium. In magnesium toxicity, it directly antagonizes the neuromuscular effects of magnesium.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

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
If this medication is administered too quickly, it may cause:
+ Flushing
+ Slow or abnormal heartbeat
+ Signs of low blood pressure, such as severe dizziness or fainting
If the medication leaks from the vein, it may cause tissue damage. Inform your nurse immediately if you experience:
+ Redness
+ Burning
+ Pain
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
+ Skin sores
+ Leaking of fluid at the injection site

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although 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 unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

* Constipation

This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have questions or concerns, 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, 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 in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.

It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Your doctor will instruct you to undergo regular blood work and other laboratory tests to monitor your condition. Be aware that this medication may interfere with certain lab tests, so it is crucial to notify all healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.

Additionally, 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 vital 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 taking this medication to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.

• Ceftriaxone (in neonates, due to risk of precipitation in lungs and kidneys)
• IV Phosphate solutions (risk of calcium phosphate precipitation)

• Digoxin (increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially with rapid IV calcium or pre-existing hypercalcemia)
• Thiazide diuretics (may decrease calcium excretion, leading to hypercalcemia)
• Calcium channel blockers (calcium gluconate may antagonize their effects, used therapeutically in CCB overdose)
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) (risk of intestinal necrosis when co-administered orally with sorbitol, though less relevant for IV calcium gluconate)

• Tetracyclines (oral forms: calcium can chelate, reducing absorption; less relevant for IV calcium gluconate)
• Fluoroquinolones (oral forms: calcium can chelate, reducing absorption; less relevant for IV calcium gluconate)
• Bisphosphonates (calcium may reduce absorption if given orally, not relevant for IV calcium gluconate)
• Iron supplements (oral forms: calcium may reduce absorption; less relevant for IV calcium gluconate)

• Signs of hypercalcemia: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, muscle weakness, lethargy, confusion, cardiac arrhythmias (bradycardia, short QT interval).
• Signs of hypocalcemia (if underlying condition persists): Tetany, muscle cramps, paresthesias (tingling in fingers, toes, perioral area), Chvostek's sign, Trousseau's sign, seizures, prolonged QT interval.
• Signs of extravasation: Pain, swelling, redness at injection site.

Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Calcium is essential for fetal development, but excessive maternal calcium can be harmful. Close monitoring of maternal calcium levels is crucial.

Calcium is a normal component of breast milk. While calcium gluconate is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, caution is advised. Monitor the infant for signs of hypercalcemia if large doses are administered to the mother.

Dosing is weight-based and requires careful calculation. Neonates have a specific contraindication with ceftriaxone due to precipitation risk. Close monitoring of serum calcium, heart rate, and ECG is essential, especially during rapid infusion. Avoid extravasation due to risk of tissue necrosis.

Use with caution due to potential for age-related decrease in renal function, which can impair calcium excretion and increase the risk of hypercalcemia. Monitor serum calcium and renal function closely. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.

• Calcium gluconate is preferred over calcium chloride for peripheral IV administration due to lower risk of tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs, although central line is still preferred for both if possible.
• Administer slowly to avoid hypercalcemia, bradycardia, and hypotension. Rapid infusion can be dangerous.
• Always dilute calcium gluconate before administration, especially in neonates and children.
• Do NOT mix with bicarbonate or phosphate solutions in the same IV line due to precipitation risk.
• ECG monitoring is crucial, especially when treating hyperkalemia or in patients on digoxin.
• Ionized calcium is a more accurate reflection of physiologically active calcium than total calcium, especially in patients with albumin abnormalities.

• Calcium chloride (another injectable calcium salt, higher elemental calcium content, higher risk of extravasation injury)
• Oral calcium supplements (for chronic hypocalcemia, not acute emergencies)
• For hyperkalemia: Insulin/dextrose, albuterol, sodium bicarbonate, potassium binders (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate), dialysis.
• For magnesium toxicity: IV fluids, loop diuretics, dialysis.

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 use, never share your prescription medications with others, and do not take medications prescribed to someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Properly dispose of unused or expired medications by checking with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. Unless instructed to do so, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the drain, as this can harm the environment. Many communities offer drug take-back programs, which your pharmacist can help you locate. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, consult with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.