Calcium gluconate

Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid and is used as a <a href="/facts/Mineral_supplement/ACv8EG7f">mineral supplement</a> and medication. As a medication it is used by <a href="/facts/Intravenous_infusion/AwwuD3Nu">injection into a vein</a> to treat <a href="/facts/Low_blood_calcium/HnwyWCL2">low blood calcium</a>, <a href="/facts/High_blood_potassium/epfvUg5w">high blood potassium</a>, and <a href="/facts/Magnesium_toxicity/D1vCcEYC">magnesium toxicity</a>. Supplementation is generally only required when there is not enough <a href="/facts/Calcium/hf252CC0">calcium</a> in the diet. Supplementation may be done to treat or prevent <a href="/facts/Osteoporosis/xa1W00Tj">osteoporosis</a> or <a href="/facts/Rickets/Fd1r1k78">rickets</a>. It can also be taken by mouth but is not recommended for <a href="/facts/Intramuscular/PPNwW2wB">injection into a muscle</a>.
Side effects when injected include <a href="/facts/Slow_heart_rate/70msP5HD">slow heart rate</a>, pain at the site of injection, and <a href="/facts/Low_blood_pressure/BhrdVVRS">low blood pressure</a>. When taken by mouth side effects may include <a href="/facts/Constipation/l4DHHM6L">constipation</a> and <a href="/facts/Nausea/dyhkcbeD">nausea</a>. Blood calcium levels should be measured when used and extra care should be taken in those with a history of <a href="/facts/Kidney_stones/8EowkGyr">kidney stones</a>. At normal doses, use is regarded as safe in <a href="/facts/Pregnancy/vEKYGpep">pregnancy</a> and <a href="/facts/Breastfeeding/cdWXyYDX">breastfeeding</a>. Calcium gluconate is made by mixing <a href="/facts/Gluconic_acid/5s6xenLn">gluconic acid</a> with <a href="/facts/Calcium_carbonate/UQ1wLFna">calcium carbonate</a> or <a href="/facts/Calcium_hydroxide/Kz2KzRd8">calcium hydroxide</a>.
Calcium gluconate came into medical use in the 1920s. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. Calcium gluconate is available as a <a href="/facts/Generic_medication/IF6AXDVX">generic medication</a>.
It is closely related to calcium borogluconate, which is commonly used in veterinary medicine owning to its higher solubility. It is used for intravenous administration of calcium, notably in ruminants.

Calcium gluconate open-in-new

Calcium gluconate