Everyone knows that calcium performs important functions in the human body. Ions of this element are necessary for the implementation of contraction in skeletal muscles and smooth muscles, for the transmission of nerve impulses, blood coagulation, the formation of bone tissue and for other vital processes. So, with a significant decrease in the content of calcium ions in plasma, tetany develops (a state of convulsive readiness, characterized by increased neuromuscular tension).
One of the calcium-containing preparations is Calcium Gluconate, the instructions for use of which allow us to get acquainted with its therapeutic effect and adverse side properties. Many will be surprised to learn that this completely harmless (at first glance) remedy can harm the body if used improperly.
The medicine "Calcium Gluconate." Indications for use
The drug is used in the treatment of a number of diseases, since it contributes to the desensitization of the body. In its properties, it is very similar to the solution "Calcium Chloride" and is used in similar cases:
- Allergic diseases (serum sickness, angioedema, urticaria, hay fever).
- To reduce the effect of vascular permeability (with radiation sickness, hemorrhagic vasculitis, endometritis, adnexitis, pleurisy, pneumonia).
- With skin inflammation (eczema, itching, psoriasis).
- With toxic liver damage, as well as with nephritis, parenchymal hepatitis.
- With bleeding (pulmonary, uterine, nasal, gastrointestinal).
- As an antidote for poisoning with oxalic acid, magnesium sulfate, when interacting with soluble salts of fluoric acid, it forms non-toxic compounds of oxalate and calcium fluoride.
The use of the drug "Calcium Gluconate" in case of allergy is explained by its desensitizing effect, however, the mechanism of antiallergic action has not yet been studied in detail.
There is a common misconception that Calcium Gluconate is used to strengthen bones and teeth. This is understandable, since everyone knows that when calcium is not absorbed in the body, tooth decay begins and osteoporosis may develop. However, you should carefully read the instructions for the drug "Calcium Gluconate." Indications for use, although they contain information about the use of the drug with enhanced excretion of a chemical element from the body, we will pay attention to the fact that the drug is used only as an adjuvant.
In fact, in order for calcium to be absorbed and become a building material for bone tissue, it is important to observe certain conditions. After all, no one eats iron nails for iron deficiency anemia. For the same reason, it makes no sense to gnaw calcium tablets in the hope of strengthening the teeth. After all, even a chemical element that is very useful or essential for the body must be a part of food products in the correct ratio with other substances.
In the treatment of bone diseases, tablets "Calcium Gluconate" is used as an additional tool during the appointment of another drug called "Calcitrin", which is a full-fledged donor of this element. However, in no case do not take the medicine yourself. Remember that these drugs have side effects.
The drug "Calcium Gluconate": indications for use and contraindications
The medication described can be administered orally, intravenously, subcutaneously and intramuscularly. However, you must know and remember that calcium-containing medications can cause tissue necrosis with intramuscular injection. Unlike the preparation "Calcium chloride", the agent "Calcium Gluconate" has a less irritating effect. Indications for use described in the instructions contain information about the possibility of prescribing the calcium salt of gluconic acid (the full name of the substance is “Calcium Gluconate”) even for children, but intramuscular administration should be avoided.
The tablet form is prescribed to children before meals (up to 1 year and after reaching two years of age, 0.5 g; from 2 years to four years of age - 1 g; five to six-year-old children 1-1.5 g; seven to nine years old 1.5-2 g; from ten years to fourteen to 2-3 g) two to three times a day.
Side effects: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, slow heartbeat.
Calcium Gluconate Solution: Indications
Adults are usually prescribed five to ten ml of a 10% solution for intravenous administration every day, every other day or every other day. The ampoule with the solution must first be heated to body temperature. Care must be taken to ensure that there are no alcohol residues in the syringe before filling, otherwise the substance of the drug will precipitate. The introduction of drugs into the vein is very slow.
The drug "Calcium Gluconate", the indications for the use of which were described in the article, is dispensed without a prescription. However, self-medication is unacceptable. See a doctor.