Calcium Lactate
Calcium lactate is an oral calcium supplement used to replenish deficient calcium stores and maintain calcium balance. It has been used in dogs and cats requiring continued supplementation after an acute hypocalcemic episode or during treatment of hypoparathyroidism. The lactate salt supplies approximately 13% elemental calcium in its commonly used hydrated form.
Group
Calcium supplement
Mechanism of Action
Calcium lactate dissolves in gastrointestinal fluid and releases calcium for intestinal absorption. Absorbed calcium contributes to the extracellular ionized-calcium pool and to skeletal reserves. Correction of calcium deficiency supports normal membrane excitability, neurotransmission, muscle contraction and mineralization. In chronic hypocalcemia, supplementation replaces calcium that dietary absorption and physiological regulation alone do not adequately supply.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium supplementation | Reference only | PO | 500 mg calcium lactate total per day orally in divided doses; divisions are not specified. Additional calcium lactate SALT alternatives: 0.5–2 g total daily orally, or 400–600 mg/kg total daily divided into three doses for long-term hypoparathyroidism. These differ from the lower generic supplement amount. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium supplementation | Reference only | PO | 200–500 mg calcium lactate total per day orally in divided doses; divisions are not specified. |
Indications
- Oral correction of inadequate dietary calcium intake or calcium deficiency in dogs and cats.
- Maintenance of calcium balance in dogs and cats with hypoparathyroidism, usually alongside active vitamin D.
- Continued oral calcium supplementation after stabilization of an acute hypocalcemic episode, including lactation-associated hypocalcemia.
Contraindications
- Hypercalcemia.
- Use cautiously with calcium-containing urinary calculi or kidney disease.
- Hypercalcemia; use particular caution with cardiac disease, renal disease or concurrent digitalis glycosides.
Interactions
- Oral calcium can impair absorption of iron, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones.
- Avoid mixing injectable calcium with bicarbonate, phosphate, sulfate or tartrate solutions.
- Digitalis glycosides increase sensitivity to calcium-associated arrhythmias.
Adverse effects
- Hypercalcemia
- Constipation with oral supplementation
- Arrhythmias with rapid intravenous calcium
Toxicity
Excess calcium can cause hypercalcemia, cardiac instability and tissue mineralization.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium Lactate 325 mg tablet | Tablet | 325 mg / tablet | PO |
| Calcium Lactate 650 mg tablet | Tablet | 650 mg / tablet | PO |
| Calcium lactate 300 mg tablet Single-active salt strength listed by a public pharmaceutical supplier; no regional manufacturer is inferred. | Tablet | 300 mg / tablet | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Monitor ionized calcium and clinical response; phosphate monitoring is needed when used as a binder. Monitor heart rate and ECG during intravenous treatment.
Give intravenous calcium slowly. Avoid extravasation; injectable calcium can cause severe tissue injury. Route suitability is product-specific.
Calcium lactate contains approximately 130 mg elemental calcium per gram. The stated daily doses are salt mass and require division; the number of divisions is not given.
When indicated, monitor magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, renal function and urinary calcium as well as serum calcium. Do not infer compatibility of an admixture from compatibility with a different diluent or concentration.