Calcium gluconate for magnesium toxicity?

Yes. Calcium gluconate is used as an antidote to symptomatic magnesium toxicity. It doesn’t lower the magnesium level itself, but it antagonizes the effects of magnesium on the heart and nerves, helping stabilize the patient while magnesium is cleared from the body.

Key points:
- When to use: Hypermagnesemia with symptoms such as hypotension, bradycardia, ECG changes, decreased reflexes, or respiratory depression.
- How it’s given: IV calcium gluconate, commonly 10 mL of a 10% solution (about 1 gram) given slowly over 2–3 minutes. It can be repeated every 5–10 minutes up to 3 times if needed, based on response and ECG.
- What it does: Provides temporary protection of the heart and neuromuscular system; it does not remove magnesium from the body.
- Next steps: After stabilization, treat the underlying cause and remove excess magnesium (e.g., IV fluids, diuretics if renal function is good, or dialysis in severe renal failure).
- Special notes: In obstetric magnesium sulfate toxicity, calcium gluconate is commonly used as an antidote. If the patient is on digoxin, be cautious because calcium can affect cardiac rhythm with digoxin.

If you’re asking about a specific situation (pregnancy, kidney failure, overdose, etc.), tell me and I can tailor the guidance. If you or someone is showing signs of magnesium toxicity (very slow heartbeat, very low blood pressure, poor breathing, or no reflexes), seek urgent medical care.