Calcium Chloride (10% Solution)
Calcium chloride is an inorganic salt that provides a highly concentrated source of elemental calcium (27.2 mg/mL of 10% solution, which is roughly three times more potent than calcium gluconate). It is used primarily in emergency or critical care settings to stabilize the cardiac membrane during severe hyperkalemia or to rapidly reverse calcium channel blocker toxicity. Because it is highly irritating and can cause severe tissue necrosis and sloughing if extravasation occurs, administration through a central venous catheter is strongly preferred.
Dosage by Body Weight
Must be administered intravenously and slowly (not exceeding 0.5-1 mL/min). Pediatric emergency dose is typically 20 mg/kg (0.2 mL/kg of a 10% solution) repeated after 10 minutes if required, under continuous ECG and hemodynamic monitoring.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.6 to 0.8 mL (60 to 80 mg) of 10% solution
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated
- Tracking Notes
- Administer slowly. Central line administration is highly recommended to avoid severe tissue necrosis from extravasation.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 1.0 to 1.4 mL (100 to 140 mg) of 10% solution
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure patent intravenous line; stop injection immediately if infiltration or extravasation occurs.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1.6 to 2.0 mL (160 to 200 mg) of 10% solution
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor cardiac rhythm and ECG continuously during infusion. Avoid co-administration with bicarbonates or phosphates.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 2.2 to 3.0 mL (220 to 300 mg) of 10% solution
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor calcium levels. Central venous access is preferred; peripheral use requires a large, secure vein.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 3.2 to 4.0 mL (320 to 400 mg) of 10% solution
- Frequency
- Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated
- Tracking Notes
- Administer slowly over 5-10 minutes if not in active cardiac arrest to prevent bradycardia and arrhythmias.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.6 to 0.8 mL (60 to 80 mg) of 10% solution | Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated | Administer slowly. Central line administration is highly recommended to avoid severe tissue necrosis from extravasation. |
| 5-7 kg | 1.0 to 1.4 mL (100 to 140 mg) of 10% solution | Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated | Ensure patent intravenous line; stop injection immediately if infiltration or extravasation occurs. |
| 8-10 kg | 1.6 to 2.0 mL (160 to 200 mg) of 10% solution | Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated | Monitor cardiac rhythm and ECG continuously during infusion. Avoid co-administration with bicarbonates or phosphates. |
| 11-15 kg | 2.2 to 3.0 mL (220 to 300 mg) of 10% solution | Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated | Monitor calcium levels. Central venous access is preferred; peripheral use requires a large, secure vein. |
| 16-20 kg | 3.2 to 4.0 mL (320 to 400 mg) of 10% solution | Single emergency dose; may repeat once if clinically indicated | Administer slowly over 5-10 minutes if not in active cardiac arrest to prevent bradycardia and arrhythmias. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia-induced cardiac toxicity, hypermagnesemia, and calcium channel blocker overdose.
Generic Name
Calcium ChlorideBranded Drug Names
Calcium Chloride (10% Solution) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.