Skip to main content

Calcium Gluconate

Calculate dosage
Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Emergency

Routes

IVSCPO

Indications

Acute hypocalcemiaBlack widow spider envenomationChronic MBD managementChronic MBD supplementationeclampsiaEthylene glycol toxicity (hyperkalemia)hyperkalemia (cardioprotection)hyperkalemia (urethral obstruction)HypocalcemiaHypocalcemia (milk fever)Hypocalcemia (pregnancy toxemia adjunct)metabolic bone disease (acute)Mild hypocalcemiaMild hypocalcemia supplementationPost-eclampsia maintenancePost-parturient hypocalcemia preventionPost-thyroidectomy hypocalcemiapregnancy toxemiapregnancy toxemia adjunctseizures

Mechanism of Action

Provides ionized calcium for neuromuscular function, cardiac conduction, and bone metabolism. Cardioprotective against hyperkalemia.

Side effects & warnings

IV administration must be SLOW with ECG monitoring (cardiac arrest risk). Tissue necrosis if given SC undiluted at high concentrations. Dilute for SC use. Monitor ionized calcium levels.

Species with Calcium Gluconate dosing data (20 dose rules)

African Grey ParrotBall PythonBearded DragonCat (Domestic)Cattle (Beef/Dairy)Dog (Domestic)Goat (Caprine)Guinea PigRabbit (Domestic)Sheep (Ovine)

Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Cattle (Beef/Dairy) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Goat (Caprine) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugsAll Sheep (Ovine) drugs

Evidence levels across 20 dose rules

Moderate×13Strong×5Extrapolated×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 3 published sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Merck Veterinary Manual
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 20 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 10 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Cat (Domestic)IV50–100 mg/kgonceStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)IV50–150 mg/kgonceStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Upgrade for Full Details

Upgrade to Pro or Student to unlock the full dose ranges and frequency for every species. The drug's mechanism, warnings, indications, and cited sources are free to read.

View Plans

Articles mentioning Calcium Gluconate

More Emergency drugs

Calculate Dosage for Calcium Gluconate