Calcium Gluconate
Indications, Contraindications, and Usage
- Calcium is an alkaline earth metal, as are strontium, barium, and radium.
- A mass effect from calcium can interfere with absorption of the other alkaline earths and compete for bone deposition.
- Intravenous calcium gluconate may be indicated for inhaled radioactive strontium (Sr-90). As per NCRP 161, blockage of intestinal absorption with oral barium sulfate is also required in cases of inhaled strontium.
- Suggested IV dosing for calcium gluconate
- 500 mg of calcium/ampoule: 5 ampoules in 500 cc 5% dextrose in water (D5W IV over 4-6 hours)
- Can be given daily for up to 6 consecutive days.
- Calcium gluconate is contraindicated in patients
- With very slow heart rate
- On digoxin preparations
- On quinidine
- Suggested PO dosing for barium sulfate
- 300 g PO ASAP
FDA Product Safety Info
- Not FDA approved for this indication/off-label use
References
- Management of Persons Contaminated with Radionuclides: Handbook (NCRP Report No. 161, Vol. I), National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Bethesda, MD, 2008, Medical Treatments Arranged by Radionuclide (p. 226) and Table 12.19 (p. 227). [Note: NCRP 161 supersedes NCRP 65.]