Calcium salts

Calcium salts replace calcium, which the body needs for nerve signals, muscle contraction, a normal heart rhythm, and blood clotting. IV calcium gluconate and calcium chloride treat sudden, symptomatic low blood calcium, and calcium salts taken by mouth are used as supplements. Injecting IV calcium too fast can cause tingling, a sense of warmth, low blood pressure, and a slow or irregular heartbeat, and leakage from the vein can damage tissue. IV calcium is not given with ceftriaxone in newborns, and it can make digoxin toxicity worse.

• Calcium gluconate