Calcium Gluconate

Question 1

Generic and brand name of Calcium Gluconate…

Answer 1

…is the same: Calcium Gluconate.

Question 2

Drug class of Calcium Gluconate

Answer 2

Electrolyte

Question 3

Calcium Gluconate’s mechanism of act

Answer 3

Counteracts the toxicity of hyperkalemia by stabilizing the membranes of the cardiac cell, reducing the likelihood of fibrillation. Increases extracellular calcium levels. Counteracts magnesium toxicity. Replaces calcium in Hydrofluoric Acid burns

Question 4

Indication of Calcium Gluconate

Answer 4

Hyperkalemia, Hypocalcemia, Magnesium Toxicity, Beta & Calcium channel blocker overdoses. Hydrofluoric Acid burns

Question 5

Contraindications of Calcium Gluconate

Answer 5

Ventricular Fibrillation, Digitalis toxicity, Hypercalcemia

Question 6

Adverse effects of Calcium Gluconate

Answer 6

Syncope, cardiac arrest (asystole), dysrhythmia, bradycardia, hypotension, peripheral vasodilation, nausea & vomiting, metallic taste, tissue necrosis (injection site), coronary & cerebral artery spasm.

Question 7

Precautions of Calcium Gluconate

Answer 7

May increase dysrhythmias in digitalis toxicity. Antagonizes calcium channel blockers. Does not mix with sodium bicarbonate in same IV line.

Question 8

Adult dose of Calcium Gluconate for hyperkalemia

Answer 8

Hyperkalemia – 500-1,000mg SIVP to maximum of 3 grams.

Question 9

Adult dose of Calcium Gluconate for beta blocker & calcium channel blocker OD

Answer 9

3 to 6 grams SIVP followed by continuous hourly infusion of the same dose.

Question 10

Pediatric dose of Calcium Gluconate for hyperkalemia

Answer 10

Hyperkalemia – 60 to 100 mg/kg slow IV/IO to a maximum of 3 grams

Question 11

Pediatric dose of Calcium Gluconate for beta blocker & Calcium channel blocker OD

Answer 11

60 mg/kg IV/IO followed by continuous hourly infusion of the same dose