Calcium Gluconate Flashcards
What is the purpose of giving calcium gluconate in hyperkalaemia?
Stabilises myocardium and prevents arrhythmias
What is the mechanism of action of calcium gluconate?
Raises the threshold for transmission of cardiac action potential by restoring the gap between resting membrane potential and threshold potential (this gap has been reduced in hyperkalaemia which increases cardiac excitability)
Does calcium gluconate affect serum potassium levels?
No
so patients also need to be treated for hyperkalaemia
What is the route of delivery of calcium gluconate?
IV
How is calcium gluconate administered IV?
Into large vein over 5-10 mins
What are the indications for calcium gluconate?
- Hyperkalaemia
- Severe acute hypocalcaemia or hypocalcaemic tetany
When is calcium gluconate contraindicated?
Hypercalcaemia
When should the use of calcium gluconate be avoided?
In patient s taking digoxin (unless ECG shows change sin keeping with hyperkalaemia)
What monitoring is required with calcium gluconate?
Check ECG before and after treatment to look for resolution of tall tented T waves and flattened P waves
What might calcium gluconate interact with?
- Digoxin
- Thiazide diuretics
- Indapemide
- Levothyroxine
- Alendronic acid
- Ibandronic acid
- Risedronate sodium
What might happen if calcium gluconate is given with digoxin?
Increased risk of digoxin toxicity
What might happen if calcium gluconate is given with thiazide diuretics or indapamide?
Increased risk of hypercalcaemia
What might happen if calcium gluconate is given with levothyroxine, alendronic acid, ibandronic acid, or risedronate sodium?
Oral calcium gluconate can reduce absorption of these drugs
What might happen if calcium gluconate is administered too fast?
Cardiovascular collapse
What might happen if calcium gluconate is administered SC?
Local tissue damage
