DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: calcium gluconate (KAL see um GLUE koe nate)
Brand Names:

What is calcium gluconate?

Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.

Calcium gluconate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

Calcium gluconate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about calcium gluconate?

Do not take calcium gluconate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body.

Who should not take calcium gluconate?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have had kidney stones;

• have parathyroid gland disease;

• take antacids or other calcium supplements; or

• take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take calcium gluconate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any of the medications, listed above.

Talk to your doctor before taking calcium gluconate if you are pregnant. In general, calcium is important for the development of an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium gluconate if you are breast-feeding. Calcium is important for the development of a breast-feeding baby.

How should I take calcium gluconate?

Take calcium gluconate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Swallow the calcium gluconate tablets with a full glass of water. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store calcium gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a calcium overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, stupor, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking calcium gluconate?

If you take other medicines, do not take calcium gluconate without first talking to your doctor.

Calcium gluconate side effects

Stop taking calcium gluconate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take calcium gluconate and notify your doctor if you experience

• nausea or vomiting;

• decreased appetite;

• constipation;

• dry mouth or increased thirst; or

• increased urination.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect calcium gluconate?

Before taking calcium gluconate, tell your doctor if you are taking

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

• antacids containing calcium or aluminum;

• other calcium supplements;

• calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or vitamin D supplements; or

• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take calcium gluconate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with calcium gluconate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about calcium gluconate.

• Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:05:17 PM.