ATC Group: B05XA Electrolyte solutions

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, and is an essential body electrolyte. Homeostasis is mainly regulated by the parathyroid hormone, by calcitonin, and by the activated form of vitamin D. Calcium is a structural component of bones and teeth. It is also required for blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction and normal heartbeat.

Calcium gluconate is the gluconate salt of calcium. An element or mineral necessary for normal nerve, muscle, and cardiac function, calcium as the gluconate salt helps to maintain calcium balance and prevent bone loss when taken orally.

Magnesium sulfate is a saline purgative. It can be employed locally in various inflammatory conditions, due to its osmotic action.

Potassium plays a vital physiological role in maintenance of normal electrical excitability of nerve and muscle. It is also important in the genesis and correction of imbalances of acid-base metabolism.

Potassium is the principle cation in intracellular fluid. It is involved with carbohydrate metabolism, glycogen storage and protein synthesis. It is involved with transmembrane potential and profound effects on muscle. Phosphorus has many important biochemical functions in the body and is involved in many significant metabolic and enzyme reactions in almost all organs and tissues.

Sodium bicarbonate has antacid properties. Sodium bicarbonate causes neutralisation of gastric acid with the production of carbon dioxide.

Sodium chloride is the principle salt involved in maintaining the osmotic tension of blood and tissues. Changes in osmotic tension influence the movement of fluids and diffusion of salts in cellular tissue.

Selenium is an essential trace element. In human, selenium compounds are glutathione peroxidase and a selenium protein P found in the plasma. Deficiency of selenium has been associated with an endemic form of cardiomyopathy, Keshan disease and with Kaschin-Beck disease, an endemic osteoarthropathy which causes a severe deformity of the joints.