Calcium Chloride

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Electrolyte

Question 2

Description

Answer 2

Calcium is an essential component for the functional integrity of the nervous and muscular systems, for normal cardiac contractility, and for the coagulation of of blood. Calcium chloride is a hypertonic solution and should be administered by IV only slowly, not exceeding 1mL/min

Question 3

Onset and duration

Answer 3

Onset: 5-15 minutes
Duration: Dose dependent (effects may persist for 4 hours after IV administration

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Hyperkalemia (except when associated with digitalis toxicity
Hypocalcemia
Calcium channel blocker toxicity
Hypermagnesemia
To prevent hypotensive effects of calcium channel blockers

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

VF during cardiac resuscitation

Patients with digitalis toxicity hypercalcemia

Question 6

Adverse reactions

Answer 6

Bradycardia (May cause asystole)
Hypotension
Metallic taste
Severe local necrosis and sloughing following IM use or IV infiltration

Question 7

Drug interactions

Answer 7

Calcium may worsen dysrhythmias cause by digitalis

Calcium may antagonize the peripheral vasodilatory effects of calcium channel blockers

Question 8

How supplied

Answer 8

10% solution in 10mL (100mg/mL) ampules, vials, and prefilled syringes

Question 9

Dosage and administration For hyperkalemia and calcium channel blocker overdose

Answer 9

Adult- Typical dose is 500-1,000mg (5-10mL); may be re