Generic name: Calcium Gluconate Injection [ KAL-see-um-GLOO-koe-nate ]
Brand name: Cal-Glu
Drug class: Minerals and electrolytes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 13, 2024.

Uses of Calcium Gluconate Injection:

• It is used to treat or prevent low calcium levels.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Calcium Gluconate Injection?

• If you have an allergy to calcium or any other part of calcium gluconate injection.
• If you are allergic to calcium gluconate injection; any part of calcium gluconate injection; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have high calcium levels.
• If you are taking ceftriaxone.
• If you are taking digoxin.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with calcium gluconate injection.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take calcium gluconate injection with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Calcium Gluconate Injection?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take calcium gluconate injection. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take calcium gluconate injection.
• This medicine may contain aluminum. There is a chance of aluminum toxicity if you are on calcium gluconate injection for a long time. The risk is greater if you have kidney problems. The risk is also higher in premature infants. Talk with the doctor.
• Use with care in newborns. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using calcium gluconate injection while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Calcium Gluconate Injection) best taken?

Use calcium gluconate injection as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high calcium levels like weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, upset stomach and throwing up, constipation, or bone pain.
• Flushing.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Slow heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• This medicine may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.

Related/similar drugs

alendronate, ergocalciferol, Prolia, calcitriol, Fosamax, calcium carbonate, Premarin, Caltrate, calcium gluconate

What are some other side effects of Calcium Gluconate Injection?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Calcium Gluconate Injection?

• If you need to store calcium gluconate injection at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about calcium gluconate injection, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer