Calcium Gluconate
Calcium Gluconate is an essential mineral supplement and medication. It works by restoring calcium levels in the body and stabilizing cardiac cell membranes during severe electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia. It is preferred over calcium chloride for peripheral venous administration because it is less irritating to tissues.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly individualized based on the clinical indication (e.g., severe hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia) and must be adjusted according to blood calcium levels. Intravenous administration must be done very slowly (over 5-10 minutes minimum) and requires continuous heart rate and ECG monitoring in acute settings.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 100 - 200 mg/kg (equivalent to 1 - 2 mL/kg of 10% solution) per dose
- Frequency
- Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Administer strictly through a secure, patent intravenous line. Monitor heart rate during administration.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 500 - 1400 mg (equivalent to 5 - 14 mL of 10% solution) per dose
- Frequency
- Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Verify infusion site regularly to prevent extravasation, which can cause severe tissue necrosis.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 800 - 2000 mg (equivalent to 8 - 20 mL of 10% solution) per dose
- Frequency
- Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not administer simultaneously with ceftriaxone in neonates. Do not mix with phosphates or carbonates.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1100 - 3000 mg (equivalent to 11 - 30 mL of 10% solution) per dose
- Frequency
- Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Confirm dose based on actual serum ionized calcium levels. Slow rate of infusion is critical.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 1600 - 4000 mg (equivalent to 16 - 40 mL of 10% solution) per dose
- Frequency
- Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Max single dose for pediatric patients is typically 3000 mg (30 mL of 10% solution) unless treating life-threatening hyperkalemia.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 100 - 200 mg/kg (equivalent to 1 - 2 mL/kg of 10% solution) per dose | Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed | Administer strictly through a secure, patent intravenous line. Monitor heart rate during administration. |
| 5-7 kg | 500 - 1400 mg (equivalent to 5 - 14 mL of 10% solution) per dose | Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed | Verify infusion site regularly to prevent extravasation, which can cause severe tissue necrosis. |
| 8-10 kg | 800 - 2000 mg (equivalent to 8 - 20 mL of 10% solution) per dose | Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed | Do not administer simultaneously with ceftriaxone in neonates. Do not mix with phosphates or carbonates. |
| 11-15 kg | 1100 - 3000 mg (equivalent to 11 - 30 mL of 10% solution) per dose | Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed | Confirm dose based on actual serum ionized calcium levels. Slow rate of infusion is critical. |
| 16-20 kg | 1600 - 4000 mg (equivalent to 16 - 40 mL of 10% solution) per dose | Slow IV infusion over 10-30 minutes; repeat if necessary as prescribed | Max single dose for pediatric patients is typically 3000 mg (30 mL of 10% solution) unless treating life-threatening hyperkalemia. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat and prevent low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), protect the heart in cases of high blood potassium (hyperkalemia) or magnesium toxicity, and treat calcium channel blocker overdose.
Generic Name
Calcium GluconateBranded Drug Names
Calcium Gluconate is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.