Calcium chloride
See critical care quick reference for drug doses by weight.
General
- Type: Mineral, Antidote
- Dosage Forms: injectable solution
- Dosage Strengths: 100 mg/mL
- Routes of Administration: IV
- Common Trade Names:
Adult Dosing
- Hypocalcemia (emergent): 500-1000 mg IV over 5-10 minutes, repeat as needed
- Arrhythmias (emergent): 500-1000 mg IV over 5-10 minutes, repeat as needed
- Hypermagnesemia: 500-1000 mg IV over 2-5 minutes, repeat if CNS depression persists
- Calcium channel blocker toxicity: 1-2 g IV infused over 10-20 min; repeat every 20 minutes PRN up to 5 doses
- Beta-blocker toxicity (Refractory to glucagon/vasopressors): 1g IV bolus
- Hyperkalemia: 1g IV
Pediatric Dosing
See critical care quick reference for drug doses by weight.
Special Populations
- Pregnancy Rating: C
- Lactation: Infant risk cannot be ruled out
- Renal Dosing: base dosing on serum Ca if CrCl <25, may need reduced dose if on HD
- Hepatic dosing: No adjustment
Contraindications
- Allergy to class/drug
- Current use of ceftriaxone sodium injection in neonates
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Do NOT administer for IM or subq
- Administer through central venous access except in cases of cardiac arrest
- High risk of extravasation and tissue necrosis
Adverse Reactions
Serious
- Vasodilation
- Tissue necrosis (if extravasated)
Common
- Burning sensation
Pharmacology
- Half-life:
- Metabolism:
- Excretion: Renal, fecal
Mechanism of Action
- Cofoactor in many enzymatic reactions, essential for neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and many signal transduction pathways