CALCIUM CHLORIDE (DIHYDRATE)

Calcium salt used in electrolyte imbalances

Dosage Forms

Aqueous solution for slow intravenous infusion

10% w/v

Uses

  • Treatment of hypocalcaemic tetany
  • Adjunctive therapy in severe hyperkalaemia
  • Depression in magnesium sulphate overdose

Dose and Duration

Given as a slow intravenous injection
Treatment of hypocalcaemic tetany.
Adult: 500–1000 mg (5–10 ml) at intervals of 1–3 days
Child:20 mg/kg (0.2 ml/kg); max 10 ml/day
Adjunctive therapy in severe hyperkalaemia
Adult: 500–1000 mg (5–10 ml) at intervals of 1–3 days
Child: 0.2 ml/kg (max 10 ml/day)
Depression in magnesium sulphate overdose
Adult: 500 mg (5 ml) administered promptly

Contraindications

  • Hypercalcaemia
  • Hypercalciuria
  • In patients receiving cardiac glycosides like digoxin
  • Renal calculi or history of renal calculi
  • Hypersensitivity to any of the components

Side Effects

  • Rapid IV injections associated with tingling sensations, calcium taste, hot flushes, risk of arrhythmias
  • Burning sensation
  • Hypertension, venous thrombosis
  • Hypercalcaemia

Interactions

  • Calcium channel blockers (decreased efficacy of CCBs)
  • Biphosphonates (reduced absorption of biphosphonates)
  • Thiazide diuretics (increase the risk of hypercalcaemia)
  • Digoxin (Precipitation of arrhythmias)
  • Tetracyclines (Reduced absorption of tetracyclines)

Pregnancy

  • Can be used

Breastfeeding

  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

  • Solutions of calcium chloride are extremely irritant and should not be injected IM or SC