Drug Cards

Calcium Chloride

Calcium Chloride / Calcium Gluconate
Class:
Electrolyte.
Mechanism of Action:
  • Increases cardiac contractile state (positive inotropic effect).
  • May enhance ventricular automaticity.
  • Helps stabilize the cell membrane.
Indications:
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Magnesium sulafate overdose
  • Calcium channel blocker toxicity
  • Crush syndrome
Contraindications:
Hypercalcemia, VF during cardiac resuscitation; digitalis toxicity.
Adverse reactions:
Bradycardia, asystole, hypotension, peripheral vasodilation, metallic taste, local necrosis, coronary and cerebral artery spasm, nausea, vomiting.
Drug Interactions:
  • Do not mix with Sodium Bicarbonate in running IV, flush prior to administration in same IV line
  • May worsen dysrhythmias secondary to digitalis.
  • May antagonize effects of Verapamil.
Adult Dosage and Administration
500-1000 mg of 10% solution slowly IV over 5 minutes; may repeat in 10 minutes (maximum 1g dose).
🧸
Pediatric Dosage and Administration:
20 mg/kg/dose of 10% solution slow IV / IO (maximum: 1g dose); (may repeat in 10 minutes.)

If calcium gluconate is unavailable, 1-2 ml of 10% calcium chloride solution, diluted with IV fluid may be substituted.
Duration of Action:
  • Onset: 5-15 minutes.
  • Peak effect: 3-5 minutes.
  • Duration: 15-30 minutes but may persist for 4 hours (dose dependent).
Special Considerations:
  • Pregnancy safety: Category C.
  • For pediatrics: If calcium gluconate is unavailable, 1-2 ml of 10% calcium chloride solution, diluted with IV fluid may be substituted.
  • Avoid extravasation, since severe necrosis and sloughing may occur.