Calcium Chloride, 10% (CaCl 10%)

Question 0

Calcium Chloride - Actions

Answer 0

• Increases myocardial contractile force and may increase ventricular automaticity
• Reverses cardioelectric changes produced by hyperkalemia
• May reduce verapamil-induced HoTN

Question 1

Calcium Chloride - Class

Answer 1

Electrolyte

Question 2

Calcium Chloride - Indications

Answer 2

• Suspected hyperkalemia in hemodialysis pt (widened QRS complex, peaked T waves, bradycardia)
• Antidote to toxic effects (HoTN & arrhythmias) of calcium channel blockers or beta-blocker overdose
• Prior to administering verapamil for SVT, A-fib, or A-flutter in a stable pt (BP > 100 systolic)

Question 3

Calcium Chloride - Dosage/Route

Answer 3

Suspected hyperkalemia in hemodialysis pt
* 250 - 500 mg (2.5 - 5 ml) slow IVP

Prior to verapamil admin or as an antidote
* 500 - 1000 mg (5 - 10 ml) slow IVP (if BP > 100 systolic)

Question 4

Calcium Chloride - Side Effects

Answer 4

None in the emergency setting

Question 5

Calcium Chloride - Contraindications

Answer 5

Known hypersensitivity to drug

Question 6

Calcium Chloride - Special Information

Answer 6

• Use with caution in pts taking digitalis preparations - may precipitate digitalis toxicity
• Precipitates if mixed with sodium bicarbonate - flush tubing between meds
• Assess the effectiveness by rechecking ECG
• Comparable dose of 10% calcium gluconate is 15 - 30 ml

Question 7

Calcium Chloride - Pediatric Note

Answer 7

Not indicated