DRUG STUDY

GENERIC NAME: Calcium Gluconate

Brand name: Kalcinate
Drug Classification: fluid and electrolytic and water balance agent; replacement solution

DOSAGE, ROUTE, SIDE EFFECTS and

FREQUENCY (prescribed and
recommended)
Dosage: adult: PO 1–2 g b.i.d. to
q.i.d. IV 7 mEq q 1–3d
Route: Intravenous
INDICATION
Calcium Gluconate Injection,
USP is used to treat
conditions arising from
calcium deficiencies such as
hypocalcemic tetany,
hypocalcemia related to
hypoparathyroidism and
hypocalcemia due to rapid
growth or pregnancy. It is
also used in the treatment of
blackwidow spider bites to
relieve muscle cramping and
as an adjunct in the
treatment of rickets,
osteomalacia, lead colic and
magnesium sulfate
overdosage.
MECHANISM OF ADVERSE REACTIONS
ACTION (by system)
Body Whole: Tingling
sensation. With rapid IV,
sensations of heat waves
(peripheral vasodilation),
fainting.
GI: PO preparation:
Constipation, increased
gastric acid secretion.
CV: (With rapid infusion)
hypotension, bradycardia,
cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac
arrest,
Skin: Pain and burning at IV
site, severe venous
thrombosis, necrosis and
sloughing (with
extravasation).

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
CONTRAINDICATION/S (at least 10)
Ventricular fibrillation, metastatic bone Assessment & Drug Effects
disease, injection into myocardium;
administration by SC or IM routes; renal  Assess for cutaneous burning sensations and peripheral vasodilation,
calculi, hypercalcemia, predisposition to with moderate fall in BP, during direct IV injection.
hypercalcemia (hyperparathyroidism,  Monitor ECG during IV administration to detect evidence of
certain malignancies); pregnancy hypercalcemia: decreased QT interval associated with inverted T wave.
(category B).  Observe IV site closely. Extravasation may result in tissue irritation and
Cautious use necrosis.
Digitalized patients, renal or cardiac  Monitor for hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia.
insufficiency, sarcoidosis, history of  Lab tests: Determine levels of calcium and phosphorus (tend to vary
lithiasis, immobilized patients; lactation. inversely) and magnesium frequently, during sustained therapy.
Deficiencies in other ions, particularly magnesium, frequently coexist
with calcium ion depletion.
Patient & Family Education

 Report S&S of hypercalcemia promptly to your care provider.

 Milk and milk products are the best sources of calcium (and
phosphorus). Other good sources include dark green vegetables, soy
beans, tofu, and canned fish with bones.
 Calcium absorption can be inhibited by zinc-rich foods: nuts, seeds,
sprouts, legumes, soy products (tofu).
 Check with physician before self-medicating with a calcium
supplement.
 Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting physician.

Patient’s Name / Room No.