Indications
Calcium D Saccharate is a calcium salt used mainly as a stabilising ingredient in Calcium Gluconate injection. It keeps the Calcium Gluconate dissolved so that it does not form crystals in the ampoule or vial. The finished injection is used to treat low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia), for example after certain surgeries, in severe vitamin D deficiency, in some cases of high potassium or magnesium poisoning, and in emergencies on a doctor’s decision.
How It Works
Calcium Gluconate solutions are more concentrated than water can normally hold for long periods. A small amount of Calcium D Saccharate binds with the calcium in a way that keeps the solution clear and stable. It also supplies a small extra amount of calcium. Once given, the calcium joins the body’s normal calcium supply, which is needed for nerves, muscles, the heartbeat and blood clotting.
Dosage and Administration
Calcium D Saccharate is not taken on its own. It is part of Calcium Gluconate injection, which is given slowly into a vein by a doctor or nurse, with heart and blood calcium monitoring as needed. The dose of the injection depends on the condition, blood calcium level, age and body weight, and is always as prescribed.
Interactions
- Digoxin: calcium given into a vein can increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
- Ceftriaxone: must not be mixed or given at the same time in newborns, because solid deposits can form in the lungs and kidneys.
- Calcium injections should not be mixed with solutions containing phosphate, bicarbonate or sulphate, which can form a precipitate.
- Thiazide diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide can raise blood calcium further.
Contraindications
- High blood calcium (hypercalcaemia) or high calcium in the urine.
- Severe kidney failure with calcium-containing kidney stones.
- Use with Ceftriaxone in newborns.
- Allergy to any ingredient of the injection.
Side Effects
As part of an injection, side effects relate mostly to the calcium: a feeling of warmth, flushing, a chalky taste, tingling, slow heartbeat or a drop in blood pressure if given too quickly, and pain or skin damage if the injection leaks out of the vein. Too much calcium can cause nausea, constipation, confusion and heart rhythm changes.
Get urgent medical help, or tell the nurse at once, if you notice chest pain, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or burning pain, redness or swelling at the injection site.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Calcium Gluconate injection containing this stabiliser is used in pregnancy and during breastfeeding when a doctor considers it needed, for example to treat low calcium or magnesium toxicity. Calcium is a normal part of breast milk.
Precautions and Warnings
- Given only by health professionals, slowly, into a vein.
- Blood calcium and kidney function are checked, especially with repeated doses.
- Extra care in people with kidney disease, heart disease, sarcoidosis or those taking Digoxin.
- Small amounts of aluminium may be present in some glass-packed calcium injections; this matters mainly for long-term use in newborns and people with kidney failure.
Overdose
Too much calcium can cause weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, a very slow heartbeat and abnormal heart rhythms. The injection is stopped and treatment is given in hospital with fluids and heart monitoring.
Therapeutic Class
Calcium salt; stabilising agent (excipient) in Calcium Gluconate injection; mineral replacement.
Storage
Hospital item: store as directed on the pack, usually below 25°C. Do not refrigerate. Do not use if the solution contains crystals or is not clear.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.