Description:

Calcium Gluconate Injection 10% w/v (by B. Braun) is a sterile intravenous solution used to treat acute hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium levels), hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium), magnesium sulphate overdose toxicity, calcium channel blocker toxicity, and as an adjunct in cardiac arrest or severe hyperkalaemia. It rapidly increases serum ionized calcium, stabilizes cardiac membranes, and reverses symptoms of hypocalcaemia such as tetany, muscle spasms, laryngospasm, seizures, and arrhythmias. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common emergency medication stocked in hospitals, emergency departments, and some pharmacies for acute calcium replacement and antidote use.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; administered only by healthcare professionals via slow IV injection or infusion in hospitals/clinics; not for self-administration or OTC dispensing due to risk of hypercalcemia, cardiac effects, and need for monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Calcium Supplement / Electrolyte Replacement / Antidote (IV calcium salt for hypocalcaemia and specific toxicities.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Calcium gluconate monohydrate – 10% w/v (100 mg/ml).
  • Provides approximately 9.3 mg/ml (0.465 mmol/ml or 0.93 mEq/ml) elemental calcium (Ca²⁺).
  • Each 10 ml ampoule contains 930 mg elemental calcium. Other ingredients: Water for injection (solvent); may contain hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment (pH typically 6.0–8.2). The solution is clear, colourless to slightly yellow, sterile, and non-pyrogenic.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: Yes – Calcium (from calcium gluconate; therapeutic electrolyte replacement, not a dietary mineral supplement).

Variant:

• Calcium Gluconate 10% w/v Injection (standard 10% concentration; common sizes 10 ml ampoules). Related variants: Calcium gluconate 10% in 20 ml or 50 ml ampoules/vials, or calcium chloride 10% (stronger alternative for cardiac emergencies). The 10 ml ampoule is the most common single-dose size.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intravenous (IV) injection or infusion (slow IV push or diluted infusion; administered only by healthcare professionals; never IM or SC due to tissue necrosis risk).

Directions/Usage: Administered only in hospital/clinic with monitoring (ECG, serum calcium, potassium).

• Hypocalcaemia/tetany: 10–20 ml (1–2 g calcium) IV slowly over 5–10 minutes; repeat as needed.
• Hyperkalaemia: 10 ml (1 g) IV over 2–5 minutes (with ECG monitoring; often combined with insulin/glucose).
• Magnesium toxicity: 10 ml IV over 5 minutes (may repeat).
• Cardiac arrest (hypocalcaemia-related): 10 ml IV during resuscitation.
• Dilute for infusion (e.g., in 100 ml compatible fluid) if large volume needed.
• Slow administration (not faster than 2 ml/minute undiluted) to prevent arrhythmias or tissue damage.
• Monitor serum calcium, ECG, and vital signs during infusion.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Flushing, feeling hot, sweating.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) or arrhythmias (if infused too rapidly).
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Injection site pain or irritation. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Hypercalcemia (thirst, polyuria, confusion), cardiac arrest (if rapid infusion), tissue necrosis (extravasation), or anaphylaxis (rare).

Package Type:

Glass ampoules of 10 ml (each containing 1 g calcium gluconate; packs of 5 or 10 ampoules; labelled carton with dilution instructions and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Administered only under medical supervision (risk of arrhythmias, hypercalcemia, and extravasation necrosis).
• Contraindicated in hypercalcemia, severe renal impairment, ventricular fibrillation, or hypersensitivity.
• Caution in digitalis toxicity (may increase toxicity), sarcoidosis, or concurrent digoxin use (arrhythmia risk).
• Slow IV administration required (rapid push can cause cardiac arrest).
• Monitor ECG, serum calcium, and vital signs during infusion.
• If extravasation occurs (tissue damage risk), stop infusion and treat locally (e.g., hyaluronidase).
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar calcium gluconate 10% injections in Ghana include:

• Generic calcium gluconate 10% w/v injection (various importers).
• Calcium Gluconate Injection BP 10% (other brands like Martindale or local generics).
• Calcium chloride 10% (stronger alternative for cardiac emergencies). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., hospital pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany; primary manufacturer of B. Braun Calcium Gluconate 10% w/v injection). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by B. Braun Ghana or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked in hospital pharmacies).

Country of Origin:

Germany (manufactured by B. Braun Melsungen AG; imported to Ghana and available in local hospitals/pharmacies).