Calcium gluconate is used as a supplement in conditions wherein calcium is deficient e.g. osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones), osteomalacia (softening of the bones), rickets (softening and weakening of bones in children).
This medicine may be used as a supplement for other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Calcium gluconate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as an effervescent tablet. Dissolve the required number of tablets in 1/3 to 1/2 tumblerful of water before taking.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high calcium levels in the blood
- high level of parathyroid hormone due to overactivity of parathyroid glands
- high levels of vitamin D in the blood
- cancer
- severe kidney disease
as Calcium gluconate may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- low potassium level in the blood
- low magnesium level in the blood
- abnormal stone-like mass formation of calcium in the bladder
- history of kidney stones
- sarcoidosis (a rare condition causing small patches of red and swollen tissue called granulomas to develop in the body organs, mostly in the lungs and lymph nodes)
- high levels of phosphate in the blood
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Calcium gluconate to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check the level of calcium in your blood and urine test to monitor your kidney function. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Calcium gluconate may cause any of the following side effects: constipation, diarrhoea, irregular or abnormal heartbeat.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. hydrochlorothiazide
- vitamin D supplements
- medicine used to treat heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood) e.g. digoxin
- medicines used to treat osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones) e.g. alendronate
- certain antibiotics e.g. tetracycline
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisolone
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Calcium gluconate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.