Calcium Chloride

Question 1

Calcium Chloride Class

Answer 1

Electrolyte

Question 2

Calcium Chloride MOA

Answer 2

• Increases extracellular and intracellular calcium levels
• Stimulates release of catecholamines
• Increases cardiac contractile state (positive inotropic effect)
• May enhance ventricular automaticity
• Inhibits the effects of adenosine on mast cells

Question 3

Calcium Chloride Indications and Field Use

Answer 3

• Acute hypocalcemia
• Calcium channel blocker OD
• Acute hyperkalemia (known or suspected)
• Hypermagnesemia (Magnesium OD)
• Pre-treatment for IV calcium channel blocker administration

Question 4

Calcium Chloride Contraindications

Answer 4

Hypercalcemia

Concurrent digoxin therapy (relative)

Question 5

Calcium Chloride Adverse Reactions

Answer 5

• Brady-asystolic arrest
• Severe tissue necrosis if solution extravasates
• Use cautiously in patients on digitalis; may cause serious arrhythmias

Question 6

Calcium Chloride Incompatibilities

Answer 6

All drugs – flush line before and after administration

Question 7

Calcium Chloride Adult Dosage

Answer 7

Hypocalcemia, calcium channel blocker OD, hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia: 5-10 ml (0.5-1 Gm) of 10% calcium chloride. May repeat in 10 minutes.
Pre-treatment for IV calcium channel blocker administration: 3 ml of 10% calcium chloride. May be repeated once.

Question 8

Calcium Chloride Pediatric Dosage

Answer 8

Hypocalcemia, calcium channel blocker OD hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia: 0.2 - 0.25 ml/kg of a 10% solution infused slowly. Should not be repeated without documented calcium deficiency.

Question 9

Calcium Chloride Routes

Answer 9

IV Bolus

Question 10

Calcium Chloride Onset

Answer 10

Seconds

Question 11

Calcium Chloride Peak

Answer 11

3-5 minutes

Question 12

Calcium Chloride Duration

Answer 12

15-30 minutes

Question 13

Calcium Chloride AZ Drug Box Minimum

Answer 13

1g