Calcium Gluconate
Calcium Gluconate Information

About Calcium Gluconate

Calcium Gluconate is used as a source of calcium in deficiency states. Calcium is a mineral which is required for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, for normal functioning of nerves, cells, muscles and the heart. its supplements are used to ensure proper intake of calcium during bone development in childhood, during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Calcium prevents development of osteoporosis ( bone thinning).

Indications

Calcium Gluconate is primarily indicated in conditions like Cardiopulmonary bypass, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Hyperkalaemia, Hypocalcaemia, Latrodectism, Osteoporosis prophylaxis, Verapamil induced hypotension, Verapamil poisoning, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Abortion, Hydrofluoric acid burns, Prevention of succinyl-induced myalgia.

Contraindication

Calcium Gluconate is contraindicated in conditions like Hypercalcaemia,Hypercalciuria.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Calcium Gluconate, which give rise to further complications include Cardiac arrhythmias, Soft tissue calcification, Nephrocalcinosis, Renal calculi.Calcium Gluconate produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Coma, Cardiac Arrest. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Calcium Gluconate therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Calcium Gluconate include Hypercalcemia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Calcium Gluconate are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Thirst, Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, Constipation, Abdominal pain, Dry mouth, Confusion, Local reactions, Polyuria, Muscle weakness, Bone pain, Syncope, GI irritation.

Warnings

Calcium gluconate should be used with caution in patients with diarrhea, stomach trouble, parathyroid disease or kidney stone. Do not take other medication or dietary supplements containing large amounts of calcium, phosphates, magnesium or vitamin D unless specifically recommended. Do not take calcium within 1 to 2 hours of eating bran, or whole grain cereals or breads. Do not drink large amounts of alcohol or caffeine containing beverages or use tobacco.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.