Calcium gluconate

Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid and is used as a mineral supplement and medication. As a medication it is used by injection into a vein to treat low blood calcium, high blood potassium, and magnesium toxicity. Supplementation is generally only required when there is not enough calcium in the diet. Supplementation may be done to treat or prevent osteoporosis or rickets. It can also be taken by mouth but is not recommended for injection into a muscle.

Calcium gluconate

Clinical data
Pronunciation	KAL-see-um GLUE-koe-nate
AHFS/Drugs.com	Monograph
License data	US DailyMed: Calcium gluconate
Routes of administration	By mouth, intravenous, topical
ATC code	A12AA03 (WHO) (Oral), D11AX03 (WHO), B05XA19 (WHO) (Parenteral)
Identifiers
IUPAC name calcium (2R,3S,4R,5R)- 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoate
CAS Number	299-28-5
PubChem CID	9290
DrugBank	DB11126
ChemSpider	8932
UNII	SQE6VB453K
KEGG	D00935
ChEBI	CHEBI:3309
ChEMBL	ChEMBL2106119
E number	E578 (acidity regulators, ...)
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID2029618
ECHA InfoCard	100.005.524
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C12H22CaO14
Molar mass	430.372 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
Melting point	120 °C (248 °F) (decomposes)
Solubility in water	slowly soluble
SMILES [Ca+2].[O-]C(=O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO.[O-]C(=O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO
InChI InChI=1S/2C6H12O7.Ca/c2*7-1-2(8)3(9)4(10)5(11)6(12)13;/h2*2-5,7-11H,1H2,(H,12,13);/q;;+2/p-2/t2*2-,3-,4+,5-;/m11./s1 Key:NEEHYRZPVYRGPP-IYEMJOQQSA-L

Side effects when injected include slow heart rate, pain at the site of injection, and low blood pressure. When taken by mouth side effects may include constipation and nausea. Blood calcium levels should be measured when used and extra care should be taken in those with a history of kidney stones. At normal doses, use is regarded as safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Calcium gluconate is made by mixing gluconic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide.

Calcium gluconate came into medical use in the 1920s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Calcium gluconate is available as a generic medication.

It is closely related to calcium borogluconate, which is commonly used in veterinary medicine owning to its higher solubility. It is used for intravenous administration of calcium, notably in ruminants.