Calcium Gluconate
Calcium gluconate is a mineral supplement that increases serum ionized calcium levels when administered intravenously. It is primarily used to treat hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and to provide calcium supplementation in patients with calcium deficiency. The medication dissociates into ionized calcium and gluconate in plasma, both of which are natural constituents of body fluids.
A mineral supplement that treats low blood calcium by increasing ionized calcium levels through intravenous administration.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A12AA03
- RxNorm
- 1908
- Generic
- Calcium Gluconate
- Class
- atc-a12
- Brands
- Calgonate
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- topical, oral
- Forms
- injection, solution, gel, capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and maternal calcium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only when indicated for maternal hypocalcemia treatment
monitor maternal serum calcium and fetal development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use for treatment of hypocalcemia when benefits outweigh risks
close monitoring of maternal and fetal calcium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically required
compatible with breastfeeding, calcium is excreted in minimal amounts in breast milk
monitor infant for signs of hypercalcemia if high doses used
pediatric_age
neonatesweight-based dosing required
neonatal hypocalcemia treatment, dosing based on weight and severity
frequent serum calcium monitoring, ECG monitoring for arrhythmias
pediatric_age
infants childrenweight-based dosing required
use for treatment of hypocalcemia in pediatric patients
regular serum calcium monitoring
geriatric
elderlyconsider reduced dosing and renal function
use with caution due to age-related decline in renal function
monitor renal function and serum calcium levels regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatedose adjustment may be required
use with caution, monitor serum calcium frequently
frequent serum calcium, phosphorus, and renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction required
use only when benefits outweigh risks, reduced dosing
very close monitoring of serum calcium, phosphorus, and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno significant adjustment typically required
generally safe in hepatic impairment
standard monitoring of serum calcium
alcohol_users
chronic alcoholismmay require adjusted dosing
alcoholics may have calcium and vitamin D deficiency, monitor levels
monitor serum calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of action information
Treatment and prevention of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium), calcium deficiency, tetany, and as an adjunct in the management of hypermagnesemia. May also be used in cardiac resuscitation and as an antidote for calcium channel blocker or beta-blocker toxicity.
Intravenous administration delivers calcium gluconate directly into the bloodstream, where it dissociates into ionized calcium and gluconate. Ionized calcium is the physiologically active form that participates in essential bodily functions including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, blood coagulation, and cellular processes.
Must be administered intravenously by healthcare professionals. Rapid injection may cause hypotension, bradycardia, or cardiac arrhythmias. Caution required in patients taking digitalis glycosides. Monitor serum calcium levels during treatment. May cause irritation at the injection site.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy