Calcium Gluconate

A form of calcium added to your IV bag. It is an add-on, not part of any drip on our menu.

What it is

Calcium gluconate is a salt of calcium: the mineral most abundant in the body, the great majority of it held in bone, with the small remaining fraction doing the work of muscle contraction, nerve signalling and blood clotting.

It goes into the IV bag and runs in with the fluid. It is never given as a rapid push, and it is not mixed with bicarbonate or phosphate solutions, which would cause it to precipitate.

What it is used for

A mineral needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth*
Involved in normal muscle function*
Involved in normal nerve transmission*
Contributes to normal blood clotting*

How we give it

Added to your IV bag and infused with the fluid. A bag holds two additives at most, so with two others already in it, calcium needs the extra liter.

When glutathione is also ordered, calcium goes in first; glutathione is always the closing step.

Good to know

Why does my nurse keep checking the IV site?

Calcium is one of the few things we give where leakage out of the vein into surrounding tissue can cause real injury rather than just a bruise. Your nurse inspects the site every fifteen minutes throughout any infusion; with calcium running they will be particularly attentive. Say something immediately if you feel burning, stinging or swelling.

Also in Vitamins, minerals & shots

Magnesium

An essential mineral involved in normal muscle and nerve function, added to your bag and infused slowly.

B-Complex

A group of water-soluble vitamins the body uses in normal energy metabolism, added directly to your bag.

Vitamin B12

An essential vitamin involved in normal red blood cell formation and nervous system function. Available in your bag or as a shot.

Vitamin C

An essential vitamin and antioxidant involved in normal immune function and collagen formation.