Indications:
- Known or suspected hyperkalemic cardiac arrest (e.g. renal failure)
- Calcium channel blocker toxicity (bradycardia or hypotension)
- Magnesium sulfate toxicity
Contraindications: None
Precautions:
- Start IV in the antecubital fossa to lower risk of infiltration
- While administering, continually check IV/IO 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
Adult Dose:
Standing order:
10 – 15 mg/kg (0.1 – 0.15 mL/kg) of a 10% solution IV/IO push
Pediatric Dose:
BIOTEL AUTHORIZATION ONLY
10 – 15 mg/kg (0.1 – 0.15 mL/kg) of a 10% solution IV/IO push
Route: IV or IO push; slow push (in live patients) - 1 mL/minute
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
Class: Electrolyte
Onset: 5 - 15 minutes
Duration: Dose dependent (effects may persist 4 hours after IV administration)