Calcium Gluconate

Trade name

Calcium Gluconate (Phebra)

Strength

93.1 mg/mL (volume: 10 mL)

Calcium gluconate 93.1 mg is equivalent to calcium 8.9 mg or 0.22 mmol.

IV administration

Administer via a large vein, preferably via a central line.

Refer to relevant local guideline for more detailed information.

Using an equal volume of compatible fluid dilute to 0.11 mmol/mL or weaker and give as an intermittent infusion over 10 to 60 minutes.

Intensive care settings: May be given as a continuous infusion.

In an emergency:­ May be given undiluted as a slow IV push over 2 to 5 minutes.

RCH Standard Concentrations: 

0.11 mmol/mL

Other routes of administration

IM: Contraindicated, severe necrosis and sloughing may occur.

SC: Contraindicated, severe necrosis and sloughing may occur.

Compatible IV fluids

Glucose 5% 

Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.9%

Hartmann’s

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Calcium gluconate 0.04 mmol/mL (18 mg/mL) or weaker: 

Glucose 10%

Y-site only and calcium gluconate 0.09 mmol/mL (40 mg/mL) or weaker: 

Plasma-Lyte 148

Y-site only: 

Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L

Additional information

Extravasation risk. 

Calcium gluconate is a supersaturated viscous solution which is prone to precipitation. Inspect the vial for particles before using; do not use if precipitate is present.

Continuous cardiac monitoring required. Use only when facilities for cardiac monitoring and cardio-respiratory resuscitation exist.

Do NOT administer via scalp vein, small hand or foot vein.

Rapid administration may cause vasodilation, hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

Warm solution to body temperature prior to administration if possible.

Discard any unused vial contents.

Do not infuse calcium chloride through the same IV line as ceftriaxone. See ceftriaxone monograph for further details.