General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
CALCIUM CHLORIDE DIHYDRATE
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Calcium chloride injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with acute symptomatic hypocalcemia. Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of calcium chloride injection for long-term use has not been established. Calcium chloride injection is a form of calcium indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric and patients with acute symptomatic hypocalcemia. (1) Limitations of Use : The safety and effectiveness of calcium chloride inje...
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Brand names:Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- CALCIUM CHLORIDE DIHYDRATE
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Calcium Chloride Dihydrate?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Calcium chloride injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with acute symptomatic hypocalcemia. Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of calcium chloride injection for long-term use has not been established. Calcium chloride injection is a form of calcium indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric and patients with acute symptomatic hypocalcemia. (1) Limitations of Use : The safety and effectiveness of calcium chloride inje...
Calcium Chloride Dihydrate (CALCIUM CHLORIDE DIHYDRATE) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Calcium Chloride Dihydrate. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Calcium Chloride Dihydrate with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Calcium Chloride Dihydrate is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Calcium chloride injection is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with acute symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of calcium chloride injection for long-term use has not been established.
Calcium chloride injection is a form of calcium indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric and patients with acute symptomatic hypocalcemia.
(1) Limitations of Use : The safety and effectiveness of calcium chloride injection for long-term use has not been established.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer calcium chloride injection by slow intravenous infusion (not to exceed 1 mL/minute), in a central or deep vein. (2.1) Do not use intramuscularly or subcutaneously. (2.1) Do not administer unless solution is clear and seal is intact. (2.1) Stop the administration if the patient complains of any administration- related discomfort, it may be resumed when symptoms disappear. (2.1) The recommended adult dose is from 200 mg to 1,000 mg. (2.2) The recommended pediatric dose is from 2.7 to 5 mg/kg of calcium chloride. (2.2) Repeated injections may be required because of rapid calcium excretion. (2.2) See the full prescribing information for the recommended starting dose in patients with renal impairment. (2.3) Do not mix calcium chloride Injection with ceftriaxone or administer these products simultaneously via a Y-site because concurrent use can lead to the formation of ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates. (2.4) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Adm
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling: End-Organ damage due to intravascular ceftriaxone-calcium precipitates [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmias, and syncope with rapid administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Arrhythmias with concomitant digoxin use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Tissue necrosis and calcinosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Aluminum toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] The following adverse reactions have been identified in literature and postmarketing reports of calcium chloride.
- Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Nervous system disorders: Paraesthesia (upon rapid injection), calcium taste General disorders and administration site conditions: Sense of oppression, sense of "heat wave", local burning sensation, injection site extravasation, injection site reactions Cardiovascular disorders: Peripheral vasodilatation, decreased blood pressure Adverse reactions have included paraesthesia (upon rapid injection), calcium taste, sense of oppression, sense of "heat wave", local burning sensation, injection site extravasation, injection site reactions, peripheral vasodilatation, and decreased blood pressure.
- (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Somerset Therapeutics, LLC at 1- 800-417-9175 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS End-Organ Damage due to Intravascular Ceftriaxone-Calcium Precipitates: Calcium chloride injection is contraindicated in newborns (up to 28 days of age) if they require (or are expected to require) ceftriaxone intravenous treatment.
- In patients older than 28 days of age, do not mix or administer simultaneously with ceftriaxone intravenous solutions, even via different infusion lines or at different infusion sites as it can lead to precipitation of ceftriaxone-calcium.
- (5.1) Hypotension, Bradycardia, Arrhythmias, and Syncope with Rapid Administration: Too rapid an injection exceeding 1 mL/minute may lead to hypotension and syncope.
- (2.1, 5.2) Arrhythmias with Concomitant Digoxin Use: Avoid use of calcium chloride injection in patients receiving digoxin.
- Closely monitor ECG and calcium levels if concomitant therapy is necessary.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS End-Organ Damage due to Intravascular Ceftriaxone-Calcium Precipitates: Calcium chloride injection is contraindicated in newborns (up to 28 days of age) if they require (or are expected to require) ceftriaxone intravenous treatment. In patients older than 28 days of age, do not mix or administer simultaneously with ceftriaxone intravenous solutions, even via different in
How Calcium Chloride Dihydrate Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Intravenous administration of calcium chloride increases serum ionized calcium concentration. Calcium chloride dissociates into ionized calcium in plasma.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption Calcium chloride injection is 100% bioavailable following intravenous injection
Metabolism
Metabolism Calcium itself does not undergo direct metabolism
Excretion
Excretion Calcium is excreted by the kidney through a combination of glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Calcium Chloride Dihydratewhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Calcium Chloride Dihydrate dosage guide
Adult, pediatric, renal, and hepatic dosing for Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
- Detail
Calcium Chloride Dihydrate side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Calcium Chloride Dihydrate
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.