Calcium contributes to your bone mass and helps keep your bones and teeth strong. Adults require 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium per day. Calcium gluconate is a calcium supplement that is used to meet the calcium needs of those who can't get adequate amounts of calcium in their diet. The use of calcium gluconate can help to prevent or correct calcium deficiencies.
Dosage
Calcium gluconate is available over-the-counter in tablet form. The oral form of calcium gluconate should be taken with food, preferably one hour before or two hours after a meal that is high in bran or fiber. You should also drink a full glass of water when taking calcium gluconate. The supplement should be taken in the amounts described on the label. The adult dosage is usually 500 to 2,000 mg two to four times a day.
Side Effects
Most people can tolerate calcium gluconate without experiencing any side effects. When side effects do occur, they can include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, dry mouth, increased thirst and frequent urination. In rare cases, serious side effects may occur. Possible serious side effects include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your health care provider immediately, as they can indicate a life-threatening allergic reaction. It is possible to overdose on calcium gluconate. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation and confusion. A severe overdose may manifest as delirium, stupor or coma.
Contraindications
Calcium gluconate can decrease your body's ability to absorb certain medications. If you are taking any medications, supplements or herbal remedies, talk with your doctor before beginning calcium gluconate supplementation. If you have a history of kidney stones or a disorder of the parathyroid gland, it may not be safe to take calcium gluconate. Any relevant medical history should also be discussed with your doctor. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, you should also speak with your doctor before beginning any calcium gluconate supplementation.
Considerations
Calcium gluconate is also available in an intravenous form that is administered directly into a vein. Intravenous calcium gluconate is only administered in a hospital setting for those with severe calcium deficiency or high levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood.
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