The following Structured Product Label (SPL) was submitted to the FDA by Amneal Pharmaceuticals Private Limited for the product Calcium Gluconate (NDC 80830-1673). This document serves as the official prescribing information, containing essential scientific data and clinical materials required for healthcare providers and patients.
This specific version of the label includes detailed information regarding 1 indications and usage, 2.1 important administration instructions, for bolus intravenous administration, for continuous intravenous infusion, 2.2 recommended dosage, 2.3 serum calcium monitoring, 2.4 dosage in renal impairment, 2.5 drug incompatibilities, and other regulatory disclosures. Use the navigation below to review specific sections of the FDA submission.
Calcium gluconate injection is indicated for pediatric and adult patients for the treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Limitations of Use
The safety of calcium gluconate injection for long term use has not been established.
Individualize the dose of calcium gluconate injection within the recommended range depending on the severity of symptoms of hypocalcemia, the serum calcium level and the acuity of onset of hypocalcemia.
Table 1 provides dosing recommendations for calcium gluconate injection in mg of calcium gluconate for neonates, pediatric and adult patients.
Table 1: Dosing Recommendations in mg of Calcium Gluconate for Neonate, Pediatric and Adult Patients
Patient Population | Initial Dose | Subsequent Doses (if needed) | |
Bolus | Continuous Infusion | ||
Neonate (≤ 1 month) | 100 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg | 100 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg every 6 hours | Initiate at 17 to 33 mg/kg/hour |
Pediatric (> 1 month to < 17 years) | 29 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg | 29 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg every 6 hours | Initiate at 8 to 13 mg/kg/hour |
Adult | 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg | 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg every 6 hours | Initiate at 5.4 to 21.5 mg/kg/hour |
For bolus administration, DO NOT exceed an infusion rate of:
For continuous infusions, adjust rate as needed based on serum calcium levels. | |||
Measure serum calcium every 4 to 6 hours during intermittent infusions with calcium gluconate injection and measure serum calcium every 1 to 4 hours during continuous infusion.
For patients with renal impairment, initiate calcium gluconate injection at the lowest dose of the recommended dose ranges for all age groups and monitor serum calcium levels every 4 hours.
The pharmacy bulk package (PBP) of calcium gluconate injection is intended for dispensing of single-doses to multiple patients in a pharmacy admixture program. Penetrate the container closure only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set that allows measured dispensing of the contents. Use the PBP only in a suitable ISO Class 5 work area such as a laminar flow hood (or an equivalent clean air compounding area). Complete dispensing from the pharmacy bulk vial within 4 hours after the container closure is penetrated. Each dose dispensed from the pharmacy bulk package vial must be used immediately.
Calcium Gluconate Injection, USP is a sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution available in the following:
Each mL of calcium gluconate injection, USP contains 9.3 mg (0.465 mEq) of elemental calcium.
Calcium gluconate injection is contraindicated in:
Cardiac arrhythmias may occur if calcium and cardiac glycosides are administered together. Hypercalcemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Administration of calcium gluconate injection should be avoided in patients receiving cardiac glycosides. If concomitant therapy is necessary, calcium gluconate injection should be given slowly in small amounts and with close ECG monitoring [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Concomitant use of ceftriaxone and calcium gluconate injection is contraindicated in neonates (28 days of age or younger) due to cases of fatal outcomes in neonates in which a crystalline material was observed in the lungs and kidneys at autopsy after ceftriaxone and calcium were administrated simultaneously through the same intravenous line. Concomitant administration can lead to the formation of ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates that may act as emboli, resulting in vascular spasm or infarction [see Contraindications (4)].
In patients older than 28 days of age, ceftriaxone and calcium gluconate injection may be administered sequentially, provided the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid. Do not administer ceftriaxone simultaneously with calcium gluconate injection via a Y-site in any age group.
Intravenous administration of calcium gluconate injection and local trauma may result in calcinosis cutis due to transient increase in local calcium concentration. Calcinosis cutis can occur with or without extravasation of calcium gluconate injection, is characterized by abnormal dermal deposits of calcium salts and clinically manifests as papules, plaques or nodules that may be associated with erythema, swelling or induration. Tissue necrosis, ulceration and secondary infection are the most serious complications.
If extravasation occurs or clinical manifestations of calcinosis cutis are noted, immediately discontinue intravenous administration at that site and treat as needed.
Rapid injection of calcium gluconate injection may cause vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, syncope and cardiac arrest. To avoid adverse reactions that may follow rapid intravenous administration, calcium gluconate injection should be diluted with 5% dextrose or normal saline and infused slowly. If rapid intravenous bolus of calcium gluconate injection is required, the rate of intravenous administration should not exceed 200 mg/minute in adults and 100 mg/minute in pediatric patients and ECG monitoring during administration is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Calcium gluconate injection contains aluminum, up to 400 mcg per liter, that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. Premature neonates are particularly at risk because their kidneys are immature and they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which contain aluminum. Research indicates that patients with impaired kidney function, including premature neonates, who receive parenteral levels of aluminum at greater than 4 mcg/kg/day to 5 mcg/kg/day accumulate aluminum levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration.
The following serious adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling:
The following adverse reactions associated with the use of calcium gluconate were identified in the literature. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Cardiovascular: Vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, syncope, cardiac arrest.
Administration site reactions: Local soft tissue inflammation, local necrosis, calcinosis cutis and calcification due to extravasation.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, while digoxin may be therapeutically ineffective in the presence of hypocalcemia. Synergistic arrhythmias may occur if calcium and cardiac glycosides are administered together. Avoid administration of calcium gluconate injection in patients receiving cardiac glycosides; if considered necessary, administer calcium gluconate injection slowly in small amounts and monitor ECG closely during administration.
Administration of calcium may reduce the response to calcium channel blockers.
Vitamin D, vitamin A, thiazide diuretics, estrogen, calcipotriene and teriparatide administration may cause hypercalcemia. Monitor plasma calcium concentrations in patients taking these drugs concurrently.
Limited available data with calcium gluconate injection use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. There are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with hypocalcemia in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-associated maternal risk
Maternal hypocalcemia can result in an increased rate of spontaneous abortion, premature and dysfunctional labor and possibly preeclampsia.
Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions
Infants born to mothers with hypocalcemia can have associated fetal and neonatal hyperparathyroidism, which in turn can cause fetal and neonatal skeletal demineralization, subperiosteal bone resorption, osteitis fibrosa cystica and neonatal seizures. Infants born to mothers with hypocalcemia should be carefully monitored for signs of hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia, including neuromuscular irritability, apnea, cyanosis and cardiac rhythm disorders.
Calcium is present in human milk as a natural component of human milk. It is not known whether intravenous administration of calcium gluconate injection can alter calcium concentration in human milk. There are no data on the effects of calcium gluconate injection on the breastfed infant or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for calcium gluconate injection and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from calcium gluconate injection or from the underlying maternal condition.
The safety and effectiveness of calcium gluconate injection have been established in pediatric patients for the treatment of acute, symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Pediatric approval for calcium gluconate injection, including doses, is not based on adequate and well-controlled clinical studies. Safety and dosing recommendations in pediatric patients are based on published literature and clinical experience [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Concomitant use of ceftriaxone and calcium gluconate injection is contraindicated in neonates (28 days of age or younger) due to reports of fatal outcomes associated with the presence of lung and kidney ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates. In patients older than 28 days of age, ceftriaxone and calcium gluconate injection may be administered sequentially, provided the infusion lines are thoroughly flushed between infusions with a compatible fluid [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. This product contains up to 400 mcg/L aluminum which may be toxic, particularly for premature neonates due to immature renal function. Parenteral administration of aluminum greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day is associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
In general dose selection for an elderly patient should start at the lowest dose of the recommended dose range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
For patients with renal impairment, initiate calcium gluconate injection at the lowest dose of the recommended dose ranges across all age groups. Monitor serum calcium levels every 4 hours [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
Hepatic function does not impact the availability of ionized calcium after calcium gluconate intravenous administration. Dose adjustment in hepatically impaired patients may not be necessary.
Overdosage of calcium gluconate injection may result in hypercalcemia. Symptoms of hypercalcemia typically develop when the total serum calcium concentration is ≥ 12 mg/dL. Neurologic symptoms include depression, weakness, fatigue and confusion at lower levels, with patients experiencing hallucinations, disorientation, hypotonicity, seizures and coma. Effects on the kidney include diminished ability to concentrate urine and diuresis.
If overdose of calcium gluconate injection occurs immediately discontinue administration and provide supportive treatments to restore intravascular volume as well as promote calcium excretion in the urine if necessary.
Calcium gluconate injection USP, 100 mg per mL is a sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellow, preservative-free, nonpyrogenic, supersaturated solution of calcium gluconate, a form of calcium, for intravenous use.
The chemical name of calcium gluconate monohydrate, USP is calcium D-gluconate (1:2) monohydrate. The structural formula is:
1 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 1)
Molecular formula: C12H22CaO14•H2O
Molecular weight: 448.39 g/mol
Solubility in water: 3.5 g/100 mL at 25°C
Calcium gluconate monohydrate, USP is a white, crystalline granules or powder. It is soluble in boiling water, sparingly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.
Calcium Gluconate Injection, USP is available as 1,000 mg per 10 mL (100 mg per mL) or 5,000 mg per 50 mL (100 mg per mL) in a single-dose vial or 10,000 mg per 100 mL (100 mg per mL) in a pharmacy bulk package.
Each mL of calcium gluconate injection, USP contains: 100 mg of calcium gluconate (equivalent to 94 mg of calcium gluconate and 4.5 mg of calcium saccharate tetrahydrate), hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment (6.0 to 8.2) and sterile water for injection, q.s. It contains no antimicrobial agent.
Each mL of calcium gluconate injection, USP contains 9.3 mg (0.465 mEq) of elemental calcium.
Intravenous administration of calcium gluconate increases serum ionized calcium level. Calcium gluconate dissociates into ionized calcium in plasma. Ionized calcium and gluconate are normal constituents of body fluids.
Absorption
Calcium gluconate injection is 100% bioavailable following intravenous injection.
Metabolism
Calcium itself does not undergo direct metabolism. The release of ionized calcium from intravenous administration of calcium gluconate is direct and does not seem to be affected by the first pass through the liver.
Distribution
Calcium in the body is distributed mainly in skeleton (99%). Only 1% of the total body calcium is distributed within the extracellular fluids and soft tissues. About 50% of total serum calcium is in the ionized form and represents the biologically active part. 8% to 10% serum calcium is bound to organic and inorganic acid and approximately 40% is protein-bound (primarily to albumin).
Elimination
Studies have shown a relationship between urinary calcium excretion and the intravenous administration of calcium gluconate, with a significant increase in urinary calcium excretion observed after the intravenous administration of calcium gluconate.
Long-term studies in animals have not been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of calcium gluconate injection. Calcium gluconate was not mutagenic with or without metabolic activation in the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium (strains TA-1535, TA-1537 and TA-1538) or Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Strain D4). Fertility studies in animals have not been conducted with calcium gluconate administered by the intravenous route.
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 100 mg per mL is supplied as a sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution filled in plastic vial.
It is available as follows:
1,000 mg per 10 mL (100 mg per mL):
10 mL Single-dose Vial: NDC 80830-1672-1
25 Vials in a Carton: NDC 80830-1672-5
10 Vials in a Carton: NDC 80830-1672-2
5,000 mg per 50 mL (100 mg per mL):
50 mL Single-dose Vial: NDC 80830-1673-1
25 Vials in a Carton: NDC 80830-1673-5
10 Vials in a Carton: NDC 80830-1673-2
10,000 mg per 100 mL (100 mg per mL):
100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package Vial: NDC 80830-1674-8
25 Vials in a Carton: NDC 80830-1674-5
10 Vials in a Carton: NDC 80830-1674-2
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Do not freeze.
Preservative Free. Discard any unused portion in the single-dose vial immediately or the Pharmacy Bulk Package vial within 4 hours after initial closure puncture.
Each dose dispensed from the Pharmacy Bulk Package vial must be used immediately.
The diluted solution must be used immediately.
NOTE: Supersaturated solutions are prone to precipitation. The precipitate, if present, may be dissolved by warming the vial to 60° to 80°C, with occasional agitation, until the solution becomes clear. Shake vigorously. Allow to cool to room temperature before dispensing. Use injection only if clear immediately prior to use.
Manufactured by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Parenteral Unit
Ahmedabad 382110, INDIA
Distributed by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Rev. 12-2023-01
NDC 80830-1672-1
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 1,000 mg per 10 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
10 mL Vial label
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
1 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 2) 
NDC 80830-1672-2
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 1,000 mg per 10 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
Carton label (10 x 10 mL Single-Dose Vials)
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
5 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 3) 
NDC 80830-1672-5
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 1,000 mg per 10 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
Carton label (25 x 10 mL Single-Dose Vials)
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
4 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 4) 
NDC 80830-1673-1
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 5,000 mg per 50 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
50 mL Vial label
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
2 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 5) 
NDC 80830-1673-2
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 5,000 mg per 50 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
Carton Label (10 x 50 mL Single-Dose Vials)
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
7 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 6) 
NDC 80830-1673-5
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 5,000 mg per 50 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
Carton Label (25 x 50 mL Single-Dose Vials)
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
6 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 7) 
NDC 80830-1674-8
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 10,000 mg per 100 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package Vial Label
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
3 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 8) 
NDC 80830-1674-2
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 10,000 mg per 100 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
Carton Label (10 x 100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package Vials)
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
9 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 9) 
NDC 80830-1674-5
Calcium Gluconate Injection USP, 10,000 mg per 100 mL (100 mg per mL)
Rx only
Carton Label (25 x 100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package Vials)
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
8 (Calcium Gluconate Injection 100 mg Per mL 10) 
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