Calcium
Trade name: Calciday, Caltrate
Class:
Electrolyte, mineral Calcium Salts
Pregnancy: (Category B)
Action:
§ It is essential for maintenance of normal function of nerves,
muscles, skeletal system & permeability of cell membranes &
capillaries.
§ Necessary for activation of many
enzymes, contraction of cardiac,
skeletal & smooth muscles, never impulses, respiration, and blood
coagulation. Uses:
* I.V:
§ Acute hypocalcemic tetany secondary to : § Renal
failure § Hypoparathyroidism.
§ Premature infants.
§ To treat depletion of electrolytes.
§ During cardiac resuscitation.
* I.M. or I.V:
• To reduce spasm (renal & intestinal).
• To
relief sensitivity reactions of insect bites.
**
P.O:
§ Chronic hypoparathyroidism. § Osteoporosis
§ Osteomalacia.
§ Rickets
§ Myasthenia gravis
§ Supplement for pregnant women.
Dose
§ In hypocalcaemic tetany an
initial intravenous injection of 10 mL (2.25 mmol) of calcium gluconate
injection 10% should be followed by the continuous infusion of about 40 mL (9
mmol) daily, but plasma calcium should be monitored.
§ This regimen can also be used immediately to temporarily reduce
the toxic effects of hyperkalaemia.
§ Maintenance: calcium gluconate
1–2 g daily.
Contraindications:
• Digitized patients.
• Some renal & cardiac patients.
• Cancer with bone metastasis.
Side effects:
§ Hypercalceia
characterized by lassitude – fatigue, skeletal muscle weakness,
confusion & constipation.
§ Renal calculi, bradycardia, arrhythmias & renal impairment.
§ Rapid I.V. administration. May result in vasodilatation,
decreased B.P. & H.R., cardiac arrhythmias, syncope and cardiac arrest.
Nursing
considerations:
Oral:
• administer 1-1.5 hr after meals, alkalis & large amounts of
fat decrease the absorption of calcium.
• If the client has difficulty swallowing large tablets, obtain a
calcium in watersuspension by diluting the calcium in hot water then cooled by
administration. I.V:
• Administer slowly.
• Observe vital signs closely for evidence of bradycardia &
hypotension.
• Prevent
any leakage of medication into the tissue since it is extremely irritating.
I.M:
• Rotate the injection sites.
• Obtain baseline renal function.
• In case of hypocalcemic tetany, provide safety precautions to
prevent injury.
