Calcium Gluconate is a mineral supplement and electrolyte replenisher. It provides elemental calcium, which is essential for neuromuscular function, cardiac conduction, blood coagulation, and bone mineralization. The 10mg strength is a very low dose, typically used in specialized formulations, pediatric drops, or as part of multi-mineral supplements. In the Indian context, it is crucial for managing hypocalcemia, particularly in dietary deficiencies, post-surgical states, and chronic conditions like renal osteodystrophy.
Adult: Therapeutic oral dose: 500mg to 2g of elemental calcium daily in divided doses. Note: 10mg Calcium Gluconate = 0.93mg elemental calcium. This strength is not used for monotherapy of deficiency.
Note: Oral: Best taken with or after food to enhance absorption and reduce gastric irritation. Avoid taking with high-fiber meals or foods rich in oxalates/phytates (spinach, whole grains) which can bind calcium. Separate from iron or tetracycline antibiotics by 2-3 hours. IV administration (for other strengths) must be slow with cardiac monitoring.
Calcium is a divalent cation (Ca2+) critical for numerous physiological processes. It acts as an intracellular messenger, a cofactor for enzymes, and is essential for excitation-contraction coupling in muscle and excitation-secretion coupling in neurons and glands. It stabilizes cell membranes and is required for blood coagulation Factor IV.
Pregnancy: Category C (US FDA). Calcium requirements increase during pregnancy (RDA ~1000 mg/day). Supplementation is often recommended, especially in Indian women with low dietary intake, to support fetal skeletal development and reduce risk of pre-eclampsia. 10mg dose is insignificant for monotherapy.
Driving: No effect on driving ability.
| Digoxin | Rapid IV calcium may precipitate digoxin toxicity and severe cardiac arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation). | Major |
| Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) | Reduce calcium excretion, increasing risk of hypercalcemia. | Moderate |
| Bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate), Tetracycline, Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics | Calcium binds to these drugs in the GI tract, significantly reducing their absorption. Administer at least 2-3 hours apart. | Moderate |
| Levothyroxine | Calcium can impair its absorption. Separate administration by at least 4 hours. | Moderate |
| Vitamin D or its analogues (Calcitriol) | Potentiates calcium absorption, increasing risk of hypercalcemia. | Moderate |
| Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisolone) | Reduce calcium absorption and increase excretion. | Moderate |
Same composition (Calcium Gluconate (10mg)), different brands: