Generic Name Calcium Gluconate

Brand Name

Classification
Electrolytes

Dosage
Oral Hypocalcaemia and calcium deficiency states Adult: 10-50 mmol daily, adjusted according to patient's needs. Intravenous Severe acute hypocalcaemia or hypocalcaemic tetan y Adult: 2.25 mmol by slow IV inj over 10 min, followed by 58-77 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution in 0.5-1L of 5% dextrose solution as continuous IV infusion. Child: Neonate and 1 mth18 yr: 0.5 ml/kg of 10% calcium gluconate solution as a single dose. Max: 20 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution. Intravenous

Mechanisms of Action
Calcium gluconate is used to prevent or treat negative calcium balance. It also helps facilitate nerve and muscle performance as well as normal cardiac function. Absorption: Soluble calcium is predominantly absorbed from the small intestine by active transport and passive diffusion. Small intestines by active transport and passive diffusion. There is increased absorption in calcium deficiency and during childhood, pregnancy and lactation. Distribution: Crosse s the placenta and enters breast milk. Excretion: Excreted mainly in the kidneys (as excess calcium), faeces (as unabsorbed calcium) with traces found in sweat, skin, hair and nails.

Indication
Hypocalcaemia an d calcium deficiency states

Contraindication Adverse Reaction

Patients with calcium renal calculi or history of renal calculi. Conditions associated with hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria. GI irritation; softtissue calcification, skin sloughing or necrosis after IM/SC inj. Hypercalcaemia characterised by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, mental disturbances, polydipsia, polyuria, nephrocalcinosis, renal calculi; chalky taste, hot flushes and peripheral vasodilation. Potentially Fatal: Cardiac arrhythmias and coma.

Nursing Consideration

Generic Name Dexticort

Brand Name

Classification
Corticosteroid Hormones

Dosage
IM, IV inj Adult 0.05-0.2 mg/kg body wt/day. Childn 640 mcg/kg or 0.235-1.25 mg/m2 once or bid.

Mechanisms of Action

Indication
Used in cerebral edema associated w/ anorexia or malignancy, collagen disease, severe anaphylaxis, severe obstructive pulmonary diseases unrelieved by conventional treatment. RA, rheumatic spondylitis, osteoarthritis, polyarthritis. Gout . Acute exacerbation of chronic allergic disorders eg bronchial asthma.

Contraindication Adverse Reaction Systemic infections.

GI ulceration, proximal myopathy, osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome, fluid & electrolyte imbalance, wt gain, neuropsychiatric effects, glaucoma, exacerbation of viral or fungal infections, impaired wound healing, hyperglycemia, thromboembolism.

Nursing Consideration