Calcium Chloride

Question 1

Name several common indications for calcium chloride administration (besides just hypocalcemia)

Answer 1

• hyperkalemia
• massive blood transfusion
• vasoactive/inotropic support in refractory situations

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Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of calcium chloride when administered for hyperkalemia?

Answer 2

• increases threshold potential

Apex, somewhere

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of calcium chloride for refractory bradycardia/hypotension

Answer 3

• Bradycardia: increased calcium → increases slope of phase 0 nodal action potential
• Hypotension: increased calcium available for contraction of vascular smooth muscle

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Question 4

What is the adult dose of calcium chloride for intraoperative use?

Answer 4

• 500-1000 mg slow IV push

_{Anesthesia Guidebook - Episode 18: Anesthesia Top Drawer Run Down - Part 2
UpToDate - Calcium chloride: Drug Information}

Question 5

What is the pediatric dose range of calcium chloride?

Answer 5

10-20 mg/kg, max dose 1 gram

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Question 6

What is the onset of action for calcium chloride?

Answer 6

• Immediate/<1 minute

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Nagelhout (7th), p. 182 - Table 13.4

Question 7

What is the duration of action for calcium chloride?

Answer 7

• 10-20 minutes

Nagelhout (7th), p. 182 - Table 13.4