Calcium Chloride Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Hypocalcemia

200 mg to 1000 mg by slow IV injection
Maximum rate: 1 mL/min (100 mg/minute)

Comments:

• Dose should be individualized depending on serum calcium level, severity of hypocalcemia symptoms, and the acuity of hypocalcemia onset.
• Repeat injections may be needed because of rapid calcium excretion.

Use: For the treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypocalcemia

2.7 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg of calcium chloride by slow IV injection
Maximum rate: 1 mL/min (100 mg/minute)

Comments:

• Dose should be individualized depending on serum calcium level, severity of hypocalcemia symptoms, and the acuity of hypocalcemia onset.
• Repeat injections may be needed because of rapid calcium excretion.

Use: For the treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia

Renal Dose Adjustments

• The recommended starting dose of calcium chloride injection in adults with renal impairment is 200 mg.
• The recommended starting dose of calcium chloride injection in pediatric patients is 2.7 mg/kg.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Ventricular fibrillation
• Patients with asystole and electromechanical dissociation
• Concurrent use of this drug and ceftriaxone in neonates (28 days old or younger)

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Do not use intramuscularly or subcutaneously to avoid tissue necrosis calcinosis cutis.
• Use great care to avoid extravasation or perivascular injection.
• Inject slowly using a small needle in a large vein to minimize irritation and reduce adverse event risk.
• Do not administer by bolus.
• Withhold injections if patient experience discomfort; infusion may be continued after discomfort subsides.

Storage requirements:

• Store at 20C to 25C (68F to 77F), with excursions permitted between 15C to 30C (59F to 86F).

Preparation techniques:

• Warm to body temperature if time permits.
• Inspect for particulates and discoloration.

IV compatibility:

• In neonates (28 days old or younger), the concurrent use of this drug and ceftriaxone is contraindicated.
• In patients over 28 days old, ceftriaxone and this drug can be given sequentially if infusion lines are thoroughly flushed with a compatible fluid between uses.
• Do not mix this drug with others or administer it simultaneously with ceftriaxone, as this can cause ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates.

General:

• The safety and effectiveness of this product for long-term use has not been established.

Monitoring:

• Cardiovascular: Heart function using electrocardiogram
• Hematologic: Serum calcium levels, blood pressure, hypercalcemia

Patient advice:

• Concomitant use of this drug with digoxin may cause arrhythmias.
• This drug may cause calcinosis cutis, including tissue necrosis, ulceration, and secondary infection.
• This drug contains aluminum that may be toxic.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer