Osteoporosis bones and joints -calcium citrate

osteoporosis

mechanism of action

The expected pharmacological action of calcium citrate is the maintenance of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular function

uses

• Hypocalcemia (Ca WNL: between 9-10.5 mg/dL)

• Parathyroid hormone deficiencies

• IV: critically low levels of calcium

complications

• Hypercalcemia (greater than 10.5 mg/dL)

  • s/s: tachycardia, HTN initially

  • Hypercalcemia can cause increased urination and excessive thirst

contraindications

• Hypercalcemia, renal calculi, digoxin toxicity, v fib

• Caution in clients who have kidney disease, decreased GI function

Drug to drug interactions

• Give 1 hr apart from glucocorticoids

• Take 1 hr apart from tetracycline

• Thiazide diuretics

• Spinach, rhubarb, beets, bran, whole grains

• Digoxin can lead to severe bradycardia

Nursing education

• Follow dosage directions 

• Take PO calcium with 8 oz of water & food

• IV: warm to body temp prior to infusing

• Administer IV injections at 0.5 to 2 mL/min.

• Check calcium levels periodically.