Calcium Chloride

Question 1

CaCl2 Drug Classification

Answer 1

Mineral / Electrolyte

Question 2

CaCl2 Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Replacement of elemental calcium –> dissociates rapidly to Ca2+ and Cl- ions –> positive inotropy and chronotropy

Question 3

CaCl2 Onset of Action

Answer 3

Immediate

Question 4

CaCl2 Peak Effects

Answer 4

Unknown

Question 5

CaCl2 Duration of Action

Answer 5

Varies

Question 6

CaCl2 Half-Life

Answer 6

N/A

Question 7

CaCl2 Indications / Field Use

Answer 7

1) Acute hyperkalemia, 2) Ca2+ channel blocker toxicity, 3) crush syndrome, 4) abdominal muscle spasm from Brown Recluse Spider or Man of War Jellyfish, 5) cardiac arrest secondary to suspected hyperkalemia or known dialysis patient

Question 8

CaCl2 Contraindications

Answer 8

Hypercalcemia

Question 9

CaCl2 Side Effects / Adverse Reactions

Answer 9

Bradycardia, dysrhythmias, N+V, syncope, cardiac arrest

Question 10

CaCl2 Dosing (ADULT)

Answer 10

1 gram slow IV/IO over 1 minute

Question 11

CaCl2 Dosing (PEDI)

Answer 11

20 mg/kg slow IV/IO

Question 12

CaCl2 Precautions

Answer 12

Can cause tissue necrosis at injection site, ensure patent IV line

Question 13

CaCl2 Drug-Drug Interactions

Answer 13

Forms PPT with NaHCO3, flush tubing between administration. Digitalis toxicity when administered to patients currently taking digitalis