Calcium gluconate
Hyperkalaemia with ECG changes: 30 mL of 10% IV over 5–10 minutes. Symptomatic low calcium: 10–20 mL over 10 minutes, then infusion.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Hyperkalaemia with ECG changes | 30 mL of 10% IV over 5–10 minutes; repeat if ECG still abnormal |
| Symptomatic hypocalcaemia | 10–20 mL of 10% IV over 10 minutes, then infusion (e.g. 100 mL of 10% in 1 litre over 24 hours) |
| Magnesium toxicity | 10 mL of 10% IV over 10 minutes |
| Child (hypocalcaemia) | 0.5 mL/kg of 10% (max 20 mL) IV over 10 minutes |
Cautions
- Tissue damage if it leaks; use a large vein.
- Don't mix with bicarbonate.
- Caution with digoxin.
Frequently asked questions
Does calcium gluconate lower potassium?
No. It protects the heart for 30–60 minutes while other treatments lower potassium.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Calcium gluconate is covered in our textbook chapter Antihypertensives in pregnancy, with practice MCQs.