Calcium Gluconate

Naturally found in foods, Calcium is a mineral essential for a lot of body functions, particularly bone maintenance and formation, as well as binding with other minerals of the body like phosphate and help in their elimination from the body. Calcium gluconate is one form of calcium supplement that is used for preventing and treating calcium deficiencies.

It is very important to keep in mind that one should not take calcium gluconate without consulting a doctor if he or she is taking other medications. Calcium can lessen the effects of a lot of other medicines through binding with them or through changing the stomach's acidity or urine. Additionally, one should take calcium gluconate with food to boost its assimilation in the body.

People who should not take calcium gluconate include those who have had kidney stones, parathyroid gland disease, those taking other supplements of calcium or antacids, and those taking tetraclycline antibiotics like demeclocycline, oxytetracycline, and minocycline. It is always essential to inform ones' doctor about other medications they take or medical conditions they have before taking calcium gluconate as it may be required to have special monitoring for the duration of the treatment or the dosage may be adjusted.

Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers should talk to their doctor before taking calcium gluconate. Generally, calcium is vital for an unborn child's development, as well as imperative for breast-feeding babies' development.

What are calcium gluconate's probable side effects? One should stop the intake of calcium gluconate as well as look for medical emergency attentions if one experiences an unusual allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, tongue, or hives, throat closure, and difficulty breathing. Other smaller side effects which may be likely to occur include constipation, vomiting or nausea, increased urination, decreased appetite, and increased thirst or dry mouth. Immediately consult a doctor if these side effects occur and talk about any other uncommon side effects that are particularly bothersome.

One should also seek medical emergency attention in case of overdose. Signs of calcium gluconate overdose include constipation, vomiting, decreased appetite, nausea, delirium, confusion, coma, and stupor.

Calcium is a very important major mineral that the body needs for healthy teeth and bones; only twenty to thirty percent of calcium is absorbed by the body in average diet that is why sometimes the need for calcium supplements such as calcium gluconate is required. It is always best to consult a doctor for calcium deficiency treatment to be given the appropriate calcium supplement, as well as a proper diagnosis.