• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Interactions

What is the most important information I should know about calcium gluconate?

Do not take calcium gluconate or antacids containing calcium without first talking to your doctor if you take other medications. Calcium can decrease the effects of many other medicines by binding to them or by changing the acidity of the stomach or the urine. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body.

What is calcium gluconate?

Calcium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods. Calcium is necessary for many normal functions of the body, especially bone formation and maintenance. Calcium can also bind to other minerals (such as phosphate) and aid in their removal from the body.

Calcium gluconate is used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies.

Calcium gluconate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take calcium gluconate?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have had kidney stones;

• have parathyroid gland disease;

• take antacids or other calcium supplements; or

• take a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others).

You may not be able to take calcium gluconate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions, or take any of the medications, listed above.

Talk to your doctor before taking calcium gluconate if you are pregnant. In general, calcium is important for the development of an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor before taking calcium gluconate if you are breast-feeding. Calcium is important for the development of a breast-feeding baby.

How should I take calcium gluconate?

Take calcium gluconate exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Swallow the calcium gluconate tablets with a full glass of water. Take calcium with meals to increase its absorption by the body, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Store calcium gluconate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.