Calcium gluconate is a mineral supplement and medication. As a medication it is used by injection into a vein to treat low blood calcium, high blood potassium, and magnesium toxicity. Supplementation is generally only required when there is not enough calcium in the diet. Supplementation may be done to treat or prevent osteoporosis or rickets. It can also be taken by mouth but is not recommended for injection into a muscle.Side effects when injected include slow heart rate, pain at the site of injection, and low blood pressure. When taken by mouth side effects may include constipation and nausea. Blood calcium levels should be measured when used and extra care should be taken in those with a history of kidney stones. At normal doses, use is regarded as safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Calcium gluconate is made by mixing gluconic acid with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide.Calcium gluconate came into medical use in the 1920s. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. Calcium gluconate is available as a generic medication. Production
Medical uses
Low blood calcium
10% calcium gluconate solution (given intravenously) is the form of calcium most widely used in the treatment of low blood calcium. This form of calcium is not as well absorbed as calcium lactate, and it only contains 0.93% (930 mg/dL) calcium ion (defined by 1 g weight solute in 100 mL of solution to make 1% solution w/v). Therefore, if the hypocalcemia is acute and severe, calcium chloride is given instead.
Neonatal hepatitis refers to many forms of liver dysfunction that affects fetuses and neonates. It is most often caused by viruses or metabolic diseases, and many cases are of an unknown cause. Signs and symptoms
The infant with neonatal hepatitis usually has jaundice that appears at one to two months of age, is not gaining weight and growing normally, and has an enlarged liver and spleen. Infants with this condition are usually jaundiced. Jaundice that is caused by neonatal hepatitis is not the same as physiologic neonatal jaundice. In contrast with physiologic neonatal jaundice, infants with neonatal hepatitis present with dark urine. Infants may also present with delayed growth. Causes
The causes of neonatal hepatitis are many. Viruses that have been identified include cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, hepatitis A and B viruses, herpes simplex viruses, coxsackievirus, echovirus, and paramyxovirus. Metabolic and immune disorders can also cause neonatal hepatitis. Giant cell transformation throughout the parenchyma is common. Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
Conditions that can present similarly include galactosaemia, hereditary fructose intolerance, cystic fibrosis, and biliary atresia. See also
Neonatal jaundice

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