<--back to pharmacology table of contents
 

 

Calcium Chloride

Class: Electrolyte
Route: IV or intraosseous push; slow push (in live patients) – 1 ml/minute

Adult Dose:

10-15 mg/kg of a 10% solution – standing order
Pediatric Dose: 10-15 mg/kg of a 10% solution - BIOTEL AUTHORIZATION ONLY
Drug Action:
  • Balances hyperkalemia
  • Increases myocardial contractile force and ventricular automaticity
  • Aids in the re-entry of calcium into muscle when given for calcium channel blocker or magnesium sulfate toxicity
Onset: 5 - 15 minutes
Duration: Dose dependent (effects may persist 4 hours after IV administration)
Indications:
  • Known or suspected hyperkalemic cardiac arrest (renal failure)
  • Calcium channel blocker toxicity (bradycardia or hypotension)
  • Magnesium sulfate toxicity
Precautions:
  • Start IV in the antecubital fossa to lower risk of infiltration
  • While administering, continually check IV site for patency and signs/symptoms of infiltration
  • Do not mix with sodium bicarbonate; flush tubing well between drugs
  • Inform BioTel (prior to administration) if patient taking digitalis preparation
Side Effects:
  • Tissue necrosis if CaCl2 infiltrates
  • Forms precipitate if given with sodium bicarbonate
  • Causes digitalis toxicity if administered to patient on digitalis
  • With rapid infusion or overdose: bradycardia, hypotension and asystole
Contraindications: None

 

 

<--back to pharmacology table of contents