Calcium gluconate

Chemical properties

white crystalline powder or granules

The Uses of Calcium gluconate

Calcium Gluconate is used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations applied to crops. It is also used as a supplement to fortify beverages and foods lacking a sufficient amount of calcium.

The Uses of Calcium gluconate

analgesic, antipyretic

The Uses of Calcium gluconate

In sewage purification; in coffee powders to prevent caking.

The Uses of Calcium gluconate

Calcium Gluconate is a white crystalline granule or powder that functions as a firming agent, formulation aid, sequestrant, and sta- bilizer. at room temperature the anhydrous form has a solubility of approximately 1 g in 30 ml of water, which improves in boiling water to approximately 1 g in 5 ml of water. it also exists as calcium gluconate (monohydrate). it is used as a source of calcium ions for sodium alginate gels, and as a calcium fortifier in baked goods, pud- dings, and dairy product analogs. it functions as a coagulation aid in milk and instant pudding powders and as a means of masking the bitter aftertaste of some artificial sweeteners.

Background

Calcium gluconate is used as mineral supplement and medication when there is insufficient calcium in the diet. Supplementation may be done to treat or prevent osteoporosis or rickets, consequences of hypocalcemia. It can also be taken by mouth but is not recommended by injection into a muscle. Calcium Gluconate Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic supersaturated solution of calcium gluconate for intravenous use only.

Indications

Oral calcium salts are used as dietary supplemental therapy for person who may not get enough calcium in their regular diet. Calcium gluconate is used as a cardioprotective agent in high blood potassium. Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity.

Definition

ChEBI: Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of D-gluconic acid. It has a role as a nutraceutical. It contains a D-gluconate.

brand name

Calglucon (Novartis).

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Industrial uses

calcium gluconate [Ca(C₆H₁₁O₇)₂] is used as a food additive in vitamin pills.injection of a 10% calcium gluconate has been recommended. It has to be kept in mind that the plasma Ca²⁺ level and any changes to the electrocardiogram (ECG) have to be carefully monitored.

Pharmacokinetics

Calcium Gluconate is the gluconate salt of calcium. An element or mineral necessary for normal nerve, muscle, and cardiac function, calcium as the gluconate salt helps to maintain calcium balance and prevent bone loss when taken orally. This agent may also be chemopreventive for colon and other cancers.

Clinical Use

Hypocalcaemia

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and intravenous routes. Human systemic effects in infants by intramuscular route: dermatitis and fever. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and fumes. See also CALCIUM COMPOUNDS.

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

Calcium salts are used for the prevention or treatment of hypocalcemic conditions.

Side Effects

Calcium gluconate side effects include nausea, constipation, and upset stomach. Rapid intravenous injections of calcium gluconate may cause hypercalcemia, which can result in vasodilation, cardiac arrhythmias, decreased blood pressure, and bradycardia. Extravasation of calcium gluconate can lead to cellulitis. Intramuscular injections may lead to local necrosis and abscess formation.

Drug interactions

Potentially hazardous interactions with other drugs
Can impair absorption of some drugs, e.g. iron, ciprofloxacin.

Absorption

Approximately one-fifth to one-third of orally administered calcium is absorbed in the small intestine, depending on presence of vitamin D metabolites, pH in lumen, and on dietary factors, such as calcium binding to fiber or phytates. Calcium absorption is increased when a calcium deficiency is present or when a patient is on a low-calcium diet. In patients with achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria, calcium absorption, especially with the carbonate salt, may be reduced.

Metabolism

Calcium gluconate does not require hepatic metabolism for the release of Ca++ and is as effective as calcium chloride in treating ionic hypocalcemia in the absence of hepatic function.

Metabolism

Calcium is absorbed mainly from the small intestine by active transport and passive diffusion. About one-third of ingested calcium is absorbed although this can vary depending upon dietary factors and the state of the small intestine. 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol), a metabolite of vitamin D, enhances the active phase of absorption. Excess calcium is mainly excreted renally. Unabsorbed calcium is eliminated in the faeces, together with that secreted in the bile and pancreatic juice. Minor amounts are lost in the sweat, skin, hair, and nails.

Toxicity

Infants : LDLo (Intramuscular ) : 10gm/kg ; Effects - Brain and coverings : meningeal changes Infants : TDLo ( Intramuscular ) : 143 mg/kg ; Effects - Dermatits Mouse: LD50 ( intravenous ) : 950mg/kg Mouse : LDLo (Oral ) : 10gm/kg

Purification Methods

Dissolve it in H2O, filter and precipitate it by adding MeOH. Filter off the solid and dry it in a vacuum at 85o. Alternatively, dissolve it in H2O, filter (from insoluble inorganic Ca) and evaporate it to dryness under vacuum at 85o. [March et al. J Am Pharm Assoc 41 366 1952, Beilstein 3 IV 1255.]