calcium gluconate and pitocin

mother/babyRN, RN · Feb 4, 2003

We haven't done that. Only thing I have used calcium for is for mag....Whatever you end up using it form pt should be on the cardiac monitor and be observed for tetany, which I have seen happen. Also labs .

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 4, 2003

never done that. why would you do that? curious.

mark_LD_RN · Feb 5, 2003

had a couple of older docs order it in past. from what i remember it was supposed to increase the effectiveness of the pit.but not sure, been trying to find out:)

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 5, 2003

perhaps by increasing muscle contractility and irritibility, thereby enhanging the effect of pit? Hmmmm maybe...never seen it done. To me, either a person is "ready" for pit or not...it's about receptor reaction, not just muscle excitability. But I may be wrong?

luv l&d · Feb 5, 2003

Have done this with midwife pts. Uaually when the labor "peters out" after a prolonged active phase. Rationale includes calcuim increases muscle contractility, and there for makes the pitocin more effective. Usually one amp of calcuim in a liter. Maybe wishful thinking or just "tincure of time" but have seen it work. Also have used it without pit. just to make spontanous contractions more effective.

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2003

I have honestly never heard of that!