Calcium Chloride

Question 1

Calcium Chloride

Class

Answer 1

Electrolyte

Question 2

Calcium Chloride

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

Increases cardiac contractility (positive chronotropic effect) and may enhance ventricular automaticity.

Question 3

Calcium Chloride

Indication

Answer 3

Hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, magnesium sulfate overdose, calcium channel-blocker overdose, adjunctive therapy in treatment of insect bites and stings.

Question 4

Calcium Chloride

Contraindication

Answer 4

Hypercalcemia, V-fib, patients receiving digitalis.

Question 5

Calcium Chloride

Adverse Reaction

Answer 5

Bradycardia, Asystole, hypotension, peripheral vasodilation,

local necrosis, coronary and cerebral artery spasm, nausea and vomiting.

Question 6

Calcium Chloride

Drug Interaction

Answer 6

May worsen arrhythmias secondary to digitalis toxicity. May antagonize the effects of verapamil. Do not mix with or infuse immediately before or after sodium bicarbonate without intervening flushing.

Question 7

Calcium Chloride

Adult Dosage

Answer 7

500 – 1,000 mg (5 – 10 mL of a 10% solution) IV/IO push for hyperkalemia and calcium channel-blocker overdose (repeated as needed).

Question 8

Calcium Chloride

Pediatric Dosage

Answer 8

20 mg/kg (0.2 mL/kg) slow IV/IO push. Maximum 1 g dose; may repeat in 10 minutes.

Question 9

Calcium Chloride

Onset

Answer 9

5 – 15 minutes

Question 10

Calcium Chloride

Peak Effects

Answer 10

3 – 5 minutes

Question 11

Calcium Chloride

Duration

Answer 11

15 – 30 minutes, but may persist up to 4 hours depending on

the dose administered.

Question 12

Calcium Chloride

Special Considerations

Answer 12

Do not use routinely on cardiac arrest.