Calcium Gluconate Flashcards

Study Notes

Calcium Gluconate Overview

Generic Name: calcium gluconate; no known trade names.

Medication Classification

Therapeutic Class: Calcium supplements.
Pharmacologic Class: Calcium salts.

Indications for Use

Treats hypocalcemia.
Adjunct therapy for magnesium intoxication.
Used during exchange transfusions.
Manages hyperphosphatemia.
Acts as a dietary supplement.
Addresses hyperkalemia with secondary cardiac toxicity.

Dosages

Hypocalcemia:
- Adults: 7 to 14 mEq elemental calcium IV; can use 10% calcium chloride.
- Children: 0.136 to 0.252 mEq elemental calcium/kg IV.
Magnesium intoxication:
- Adults: Start with 7 mEq IV.
Exchange transfusions:
- Adults: 1.35 mEq IV for every 100 mL of citrated blood; Neonates: 0.45 mEq IV after each 100 mL.
Hyperphosphatemia:
- Adults: Initially 2 capsules/tablets or 10 mL oral solution TID with meals; adjust every 2-3 weeks based on serum phosphorus.
Dietary supplement:
- Adults: 500 mg to 2 g PO daily.
Hyperkalemia:
- Adults: 2.25 to 14 mEq IV; repeat as needed after 1-2 minutes.

Administration Guidelines

PO: Administer with a full glass of water; wait 1-1.5 hours post-meals if GI upset occurs.
IV: Only use calcium chloride IV; monitor ECG; stop if discomfort occurs.
Direct injection: Avoid scalp veins in children, warm solution to body temperature, infuse slowly.
After injection: Keep the patient recumbent for 15 minutes.
Intermittent infusion: Use compatible IV solutions; check drug incompatibilities as needed.

Pharmacological Action

Calcium gluconate replaces calcium and maintains calcium levels.
Route specifics:
- PO: Onset, peak, and duration unknown.
- IV/IM: Immediate onset and peak; duration lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: Possible tingling, oppression or heat waves with IV, syncope if infused rapidly.
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, arrhythmias, potential cardiac arrest with rapid infusion, mild BP drop, vasodilation.
Gastrointestinal: Side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, chalky taste, and abdominal pain.
Renal: Increased urine output and risk for renal calculi.
Metabolic: Risk of hypercalcemia.
Dermatological: Local tissue reactions, including burning and necrosis at injection site.

Drug Interactions

Bisphosphonates: Should space administration; 30 minutes after alendronate or risedronate, 60 minutes after ibandronate, and at least 2 hours after etidronate.
Calcium channel blockers: May reduce effectiveness; monitor patients.
Cardiac glycosides: Risk of increased digoxin toxicity; administer cautiously.
Fluoroquinolones: Can decrease absorption; consider timing adjustments.
Iron supplements: May impair absorption; separate administration by 2 hours.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate: May induce metabolic acidosis; separate doses by several hours.
Tetracyclines: Can lower serum concentrations; avoid concurrent use or separate doses substantially.
Thiazide diuretics: Concurrent use may lead to hypercalcemia; avoid combination.

Impact on Lab Tests

Calcium gluconate can increase serum calcium levels, necessitating monitoring.

Description

This quiz consists of flashcards that cover key concepts related to calcium gluconate, including its generic and trade names, medication classes, and indications for use. Perfect for students or healthcare professionals looking to reinforce their knowledge about this important calcium supplement. Test your understanding and improve your recall of calcium gluconate information.