Name: Calcium gluconate (Kalcinate)
Class: Element
Mechanism:
Absorption: Slow IV infusion.
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Major = hypercalcemia (esp. during long-term therapy or co-admin. w/vit. D). Hypercalciuria. Rapid infusion may cause cardiac arrhythmias. 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: DOC for severe hypocalcemia. Reduces/prevents bone loss in older women (800 mg/d).
Special Features: 9% calcium.