Name: Calcium gluceptate
Class: Element
Mechanism:
Absorption: IV (IM if IV is infeasible).
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Major = hypercalcemia (esp. during long-term therapy or co-admin. w/vit. D). Hypercalciuria. More irritating than calcium gluconate. May cause mild local rxns (e.g., tingling). Metallic taste. Enhances action of digitalis. \ IV infusion may ppt arrhythmias. Drug interactions—¯ bioavailability and/or oral absorption of some drugs (e.g., etidronate, tetracyclines, iron salts, atenolol, norfloxacin). Thiazide diuretic-induced hypercalcemias exacerbated by calcium supplementation.
Utility: Treat hypocalcemia. Reduces/prevents bone loss in older women (800 mg/d).
Special Features: 8% calcium