About calcium chloride
Intravenous calcium salt
Used for
- Treats severe low blood calcium.
- Stabilizes the heart in severe hyperkalemia.
- Treats calcium-channel blocker toxicity.
Usual adult dose
Usually 500–1,000 mg intravenously, given slowly; repeat according to response and monitoring.
Usual dose in children
Dose varies by age and condition; commonly 20 mg/kg intravenously, given slowly, with monitoring.
Common side effects
- Warmth, tingling, or a chalky taste
- Low blood pressure or slow heartbeat
- Tissue injury if it leaks outside the vein
- High blood calcium
Important warnings
- For intravenous use by trained clinicians with cardiac monitoring.
- Leakage into tissue can cause severe injury and calcification.
- Use a secure vein; avoid intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
- Use caution with kidney disease or high blood calcium.
Pregnancy
May be used when clinically necessary; evidence is limited, and maternal calcium levels require monitoring.
Breastfeeding
Calcium is a normal component of breast milk; treatment is generally compatible when clinically necessary.
Interactions
- Digoxin: increased risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
- Ceftriaxone: can form dangerous precipitates when mixed intravenously, especially in newborns.
- Thiazide diuretics: may increase blood calcium.
- Calcium can reduce absorption of some oral medicines, including levothyroxine and tetracyclines.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.