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What is Calcium Gluconate?

Tracey Parece
Tracey Parece

Calcium gluconate is calcium combined with glucose, or blood sugar. It is a mineral supplement that is used to treat various conditions including rickets, lead colic, overdose of magnesium sulfate, and hypocalcemic tetany. Also, it may be used in the treatment of insect bites or stings, particularly black widow spider bites. Calcium occurs naturally in foods like yogurt, milk, and cheese, and it is most readily absorbed when taken in conjunction with vitamin D.

There are several different ways that calcium gluconate can be administered. It is available in pill form, as an intravenous (IV) injection, and as an ingredient in a topical gel. Also, it may be taken orally for the treatment of osteoporosis. Calcium gluconate may be prescribed as a hypocalcemia treatment. Hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium in the blood, can be caused by pregnancy, rapid growth, or hypoparathyrodism.

Calcium gluconate is available in effervescent tablet form.
Calcium gluconate is available in effervescent tablet form.

Although calcium gluconate may be administered intravenously, it cannot be given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection because it can cause abscesses and necrosis of the skin or other tissues. As a component of a topical gel, it is used for hydrofluoric acid burns for its ability to neutralize the acid. This drug is also available in chewable form, effervescent tablets, and suspended in a liquid.

Calcium gluconate may be taken orally for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Calcium gluconate may be taken orally for the treatment of osteoporosis.

As with any drug, there are certain side effects associated with calcium gluconate. Common side effects associated with its use are diarrhea and upset stomach. Patients are advised to contact a physician if any of the following side effects are observed: tiredness, weakness, extreme thirst, increased urination, or headaches. Other potential side effects include changes in mood, muscle or bone pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and nausea. There are other potential side effects and allergic reactions are possible, although rare.

Cottage cheese and many other dairy products are naturally rich in calcium.
Cottage cheese and many other dairy products are naturally rich in calcium.

Only a physician can determine whether the side effects experienced while taking calcium gluconate are cause for discontinuing treatment. Also, it can be important for a person to follow any instructions provided by a doctor or pharmacist when taking this drug. It should not be taken with certain other medications or medical conditions, particularly high calcium levels — also known as hypercalcemia. A doctor should also be consulted before taking calcium gluconate while pregnant or breast-feeding.

Type 1 diabetics don't produce enough insulin to regulate how the body absorbs glucose.
Type 1 diabetics don't produce enough insulin to regulate how the body absorbs glucose.

Calcium lactate gluconate, commonly called calcium gluconolactate, is calcium gluconate mixed with calcium lactate. The combination of these two calcium salts is high in calcium. Calcium lactate gluconate is commonly used as a food additive in foods that are enriched with calcium.

Discussion Comments

amysamp

@saraq90 - My doctor suggested I take vitamin D supplements as well and I found one very important piece to taking the vitamin D -

You still have to go outside! Going outside promotes your body and the all so important vitamin D. I had my vitamin D tested and it was still low after taking the supplement for months. That's when I received the going outside for vitamin D tip.

I see many calcium & vitamin d combinations, and now I get why from the article - it helps promote calcium absorption. I, like you, have the take the chewables of calcium; but I have also heard calcium gluconate liquid might be the way to go.

But I can honestly say, I don't remember where I heard that - if it was an advertisement or a health article somewhere. So I would do some more research before diving in, because it can be a bit more expensive than the calcium and vitamin D combo chewable supplements.

Saraq90

I try to get my calcium from natural substances as I have heard getting calcium from these substances is the best way of ensuring your body uses and absorbs the calcium.

However, my cup of yogurt and cheese intake is not always easy to get in on a busy schedule! So I take a calcium supplement on some days.

I take a chewable supplement that tastes like chocolate - even better! The last time my bone density was tested (which is a test I had done at a local health fair) my calcium levels were fantastic.

So I can safely say my dairy intake plus occasional chewable calcium is working!

Now my orthopedist suggested I add calcium with vitamin D. Has anyone else tried this combination? Is it worth the money?

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    • Calcium gluconate is available in effervescent tablet form.
      By: Gresei
      Calcium gluconate is available in effervescent tablet form.
    • Calcium gluconate may be taken orally for the treatment of osteoporosis.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Calcium gluconate may be taken orally for the treatment of osteoporosis.
    • Cottage cheese and many other dairy products are naturally rich in calcium.
      By: Sunny Forest
      Cottage cheese and many other dairy products are naturally rich in calcium.
    • Type 1 diabetics don't produce enough insulin to regulate how the body absorbs glucose.
      By: Monkey Business
      Type 1 diabetics don't produce enough insulin to regulate how the body absorbs glucose.
    • Patients who experience fatigue while taking calcium gluconate should consult with a doctor.
      By: zonch
      Patients who experience fatigue while taking calcium gluconate should consult with a doctor.
    • Side effects of calcium gluconate may include loss of appetite.
      By: Ivonne Wierink
      Side effects of calcium gluconate may include loss of appetite.
    • Calcium gluconate may be injected intravenously.
      By: Kadmy
      Calcium gluconate may be injected intravenously.
    • A medical doctor should be consulted if a patient experiences extreme thirst while taking calcium gluconate.
      By: Aurelio
      A medical doctor should be consulted if a patient experiences extreme thirst while taking calcium gluconate.
    • Side effects of calcium gluconate may include nausea.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Side effects of calcium gluconate may include nausea.