Calcium Gluconate, 10%

Question 1

Calcium Gluconate - Class

Answer 1

Electrolyte

Question 2

Calcium Gluconate - Actions

Answer 2

• Increases myocardial contractile force
• Reverses cardioelectric changes produced by hyperkalemia
• Provides immediate free calcium for nervous, muscular, & cardiac systems

Question 3

Calcium Gluconate - Indications

Answer 3

• Suspected hyperkalemia in hemodialysis pt (widened QRS complex, peaked T waves, bradycardia)
• Suspected calcium channel blocker OD (symptomatic with bradycardia & HoTN)

Question 4

Calcium Gluconate - Dosage/Route

Answer 4

One 10 ml vial of 10% solution slow IV/IO push over 5-10 min through proximal port

Question 5

Calcium Gluconate - Side Effects

Answer 5

Rapid admin may cause bradycardia, vasodilation, HoTN, syncope, & Cardiac arrest

Question 6

Calcium Gluconate - Contraindications

Answer 6

• Known hypersensitivity to drug
• Pts taking Digoxin (can augment positive inotropic & negative chronotropic effects of Digoxin)
• Known hyperkalemia & hypercalciuria (hyperthyroidism, Vitamin D OD, bone metastases)

Question 7

Calcium Gluconate - Special Information

Answer 7

• Administer slowly (no faster than 2 ml/min) and stop if pt complains of pain
• Will cause tissue necrosis if infiltrated, immediately stop admin
• IV is preferred over IO & should be free-flowing. Check patency during admin
• Use a small catheter in a large vein, if possible
• Precipitates if mixed with sodium bicarbonate - flush tubing between meds (CAN BE FATAL)

Question 8

Calcium Gluconate - Pediatric Note

Answer 8

• Refer to pediatric drug guide
• 0.5 ml/kg of 10% solution slow IV/IO push over 5-10 min through a proximal port
• Max dose of 10 ml (one 10% vial)