Calcium Gluconate (Injection)

Calcium Gluconate (kal-cee-um gloo-koe-nate)

Treats calcium deficiency (too little calcium in the blood). Also treats black widow spider bites, lead colic, overdose of magnesium or certain heart medicines, and a condition called rickets. This medicine is also used in life support and life-threatening heart conditions.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have high levels of calcium in your blood.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it will be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a vein. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®) or tetracycline.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Feeling of warmth, tingling, or confusion
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth, thirst, chalky taste in your mouth
• Constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Increase in how much or how often you urinate
• Redness, swelling, irritation, or infection on the skin where the injection is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.