Calcium Gluconate 10% Inj, 10ml

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 directly increases serum calcium levels. In hyperkalemia, it stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane, reducing myocardial excitability and antagonizing the cardiotoxic effects of potassium without lowering serum potassium levels. In magnesium toxicity, it directly antagonizes the neuromuscular effects of magnesium.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

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 can 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 can 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. 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 unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

* Constipation

This is not an exhaustive list of possible 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 discuss all of your:

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

with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other treatments. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Your doctor will likely recommend regular blood tests and other laboratory evaluations 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.

This medication may contain aluminum, which can pose a risk of aluminum toxicity if taken for an extended period. 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, both for you and your baby.

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

• Digoxin (increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially with rapid IV calcium administration or hypercalcemia)
• Calcium channel blockers (calcium may antagonize the effects of CCBs, requiring higher doses of CCBs or reducing their efficacy)

• Thiazide diuretics (may decrease calcium excretion, leading to hypercalcemia)
• Corticosteroids (may decrease intestinal absorption of calcium)
• Tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones (oral calcium can chelate these antibiotics, reducing absorption; not relevant for IV calcium gluconate but important if oral calcium is also given)
• Iron supplements (oral calcium can interfere with iron absorption; not relevant for IV calcium gluconate)

• Signs of hypercalcemia: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, lethargy, confusion, polyuria, polydipsia, cardiac arrhythmias.
• Signs of hypocalcemia (if treatment is insufficient): Tetany, muscle cramps, paresthesias, seizures, prolonged QT interval.
• Signs of extravasation: Pain, swelling, redness, blanching at the injection site.

Calcium gluconate is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Calcium requirements increase during pregnancy, and calcium is essential for fetal skeletal development. However, excessive calcium administration can lead to hypercalcemia in the mother and potentially affect the fetus.

Calcium is a normal component of breast milk. While calcium gluconate is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, caution is advised. Monitor the infant for any signs of adverse effects, though systemic absorption by the infant from breast milk is unlikely to cause issues.

Dosing is weight-based and requires careful calculation. Neonates and infants are particularly susceptible to rapid changes in calcium levels and extravasation. Close monitoring of serum calcium, heart rate, and IV site is essential. Avoid rapid IV push in neonates and infants due to risk of bradycardia and cardiac arrest.

Elderly patients may have age-related decreases in renal function, increasing the risk of hypercalcemia. They may also be more susceptible to cardiac arrhythmias. Use with caution and monitor serum calcium and ECG closely. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.

• Calcium gluconate 10% solution contains 93 mg (4.65 mEq) of elemental calcium per 10 mL vial. This is less elemental calcium than calcium chloride (which contains 272 mg elemental calcium per 10 mL of 10% solution), making it less irritating to veins.
• Administer slowly via IV infusion to avoid bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. Rapid IV push is generally discouraged, especially in patients on digoxin or with cardiac disease.
• Always dilute calcium gluconate if administering via central line, and ensure proper mixing if adding to IV fluids.
• Do NOT mix with bicarbonate or phosphate solutions in the same IV line due to precipitation risk.
• Monitor ECG continuously during rapid infusions, especially for hyperkalemia or in patients on digoxin.
• Extravasation can cause severe tissue necrosis and calcification. Ensure proper IV access and monitor the site closely. If extravasation occurs, stop infusion immediately, aspirate residual drug, and consider local hyaluronidase injection.
• Correct hypomagnesemia if present, as magnesium is essential for parathyroid hormone function and calcium homeostasis.

• Calcium chloride (provides more elemental calcium per gram, but is more irritating to veins and should be administered via central line if possible).
• Oral calcium supplements (for chronic hypocalcemia, not acute emergencies).
• Vitamin D supplementation (for chronic calcium deficiency related to vitamin D deficiency).

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly; do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, 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 quantity, and the time of ingestion.