What is the use of Calcium gluconate (calcium supplement)?

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Last updated: March 28, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Calcium gluconate is a crucial mineral supplement used to treat or prevent calcium deficiency, and its primary use is to directly increase serum calcium levels, which is essential for proper nerve, muscle, and cardiac function, with a typical adult intravenous dose of 1-2 grams given slowly over 10-20 minutes 1. The medication is available in various forms, including injectable solutions (10% concentration), oral tablets (500-1000 mg), and topical gels.

  • Common indications for calcium gluconate include:
    • Hypocalcemia
    • Hyperkalemia (where it stabilizes cardiac membranes)
    • Magnesium toxicity
    • Calcium channel blocker overdose
  • The preferred form of calcium supplementation for IV administration is calcium gluconate, as it causes less tissue irritation if extravasation occurs compared to calcium chloride.
  • When administering IV calcium gluconate, careful monitoring is necessary as rapid infusion can cause vasodilation, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, or even cardiac arrest.
  • The dose regimen for calcium gluconate in adults is often 30-60 mL (3-6 g) every 10-20 minutes or an infusion at 0.6-1.2 mL/kg/hr (0.06-0.12 g/kg/hr) 1.
  • It is essential to note that calcium gluconate contains 9% elemental calcium, and its use should be tailored to the individual patient's clinical condition, with consideration of potential side effects, such as digestive upset with oral forms or hypercalcemia with excessive use.

From the FDA Drug Label

Calcium Gluconate Injection is indicated for pediatric and adult patients for the treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia. Calcium Gluconate Injection is a form of calcium indicated for pediatric and adult patients for the treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia.

The use of Calcium gluconate is for the treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia in pediatric and adult patients 2 2.

  • Key uses:
    • Treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia
    • Pediatric and adult patients
  • Important consideration: The safety of Calcium Gluconate Injection for long term use has not been established.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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