Calcium Gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid, an intravenous medication used to treat conditions arising from calcium deficiencies. Calcium is an essential body electrolyte. It is necessary for the functional integrity of nerve & muscle & is essential for the muscle contraction, cardiac function & coagulation of the blood.
Calcium homeostasis is mainly regulated by three endocrine factors: parathyroid hormone is secreted in response to a fall in plasma calcium concentration & acts by accelerating calcium transfer from bone & by increasing its intestinal absorption & its renal reabsorption; calcitonin lowers plasma calcium by decreasing bone resorption & by increasing renal excretion of the ion; vitamin D stimulates intestinal absorption of calcium & decreases its renal excretion.
Indications: Parenteral administration of calcium is indicated where the pharmacological action of a high calcium ion concentration is required, as for example, in acute hypocalcaemia, cardiac resuscitation & some cases of neonatal tetany.
Intravenous injections of calcium have been used in the treatment of the acute colic of lead poisoning, & as an adjunct in the treatment of acute fluoride poisoning. Also, for the prevention of hypocalcaemia in exchange transfusions.