Description

(Sterile Injectable for Acute Calcium Repletion and Cardiac Support)

Emergency-Use, High-Concentration Calcium Supplement for Intravenous Administration

Calcium Chloride Injection USP, 100 mg/mL, is a sterile, preservative-free, concentrated solution indicated for the rapid treatment of acute hypocalcemia, hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, and calcium channel blocker overdose. Supplied in a 10 mL vial, this injectable preparation is formulated for intravenous (IV) use only, typically in critical care or emergency settings under close medical supervision.

Calcium chloride plays an essential physiological role in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, coagulation pathways, and cardiac electrophysiology. Due to its rapid onset of action, it is often the calcium salt of choice when immediate plasma calcium elevation is required.

Product Details

• Concentration: 100 mg/mL of elemental calcium chloride

• Volume: 10 mL single-dose vial

• Total calcium content: 1 gram per vial (equivalent to ~273 mg elemental calcium)

• Administration route: Intravenous (IV) only

• Formulation: Sterile, non-pyrogenic, preservative-free solution

• pH: Approximately 6.3

• Osmolarity: Hypertonic

• Storage: 20–25°C (68–77°F); protect from freezing

Mechanism of Action

Calcium ions are involved in several critical cellular and systemic processes:

• Stabilization of myocardial membranes, reducing arrhythmias in hyperkalemia

• Activation of coagulation factors and maintenance of platelet function

• Neuromuscular signaling at synaptic junctions

• Bone mineralization and hormonal secretion regulation

In emergency applications, calcium chloride provides rapid systemic elevation of ionized calcium, restoring critical physiological function in life-threatening electrolyte disturbances or drug toxicities.

Indications

Calcium Chloride Injection is used in:

• Acute symptomatic hypocalcemia (e.g., tetany, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias)

• Hyperkalemia with ECG changes (as membrane stabilization before insulin/glucose or dialysis)

• Magnesium sulfate overdose (e.g., magnesium toxicity in obstetrics)

• Calcium channel blocker overdose (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem toxicity)

• Cardiac resuscitation protocols, particularly in settings of asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

Administration Guidelines

• Dosage: Typically, 500 mg to 1 gram (5 to 10 mL of the 100 mg/mL solution) administered slowly IV

• Infusion rate: Should be administered slowly over several minutes to avoid cardiac complications

• Dilution: May be diluted in compatible IV fluids under clinical guidance

• Repeat dosing may be necessary based on serum calcium monitoring and clinical response

• Monitor cardiac rhythm continuously during IV push administration

Clinical Considerations

1. Potency Compared to Calcium Gluconate

Calcium chloride provides 3x more elemental calcium per mL than calcium gluconate. While effective, it is also more irritating to veins and must be administered via central venous access when possible to avoid tissue necrosis in case of extravasation.

2. Rapid Onset, Short Duration

Ideal for emergency correction of calcium imbalance, though follow-up maintenance therapy (often via calcium gluconate) may be required.

3. Electrolyte Monitoring

Calcium therapy requires close monitoring of ionized calcium, magnesium, potassium, and serum phosphate, particularly in ICU or dialysis patients.

Contraindications & Precautions

• Contraindicated in patients with ventricular fibrillation, hypercalcemia, or digitalis toxicity

• Do not use intramuscularly or subcutaneously — severe tissue injury may occur

• Extravasation risk: Use with caution; ensure secure IV access

• Use central line when possible, particularly for large or repeated doses

• Avoid rapid IV push unless clinically indicated and ECG-monitored

• Interactions: May antagonize effects of calcium channel blockers; use caution when co-administered with digoxin

Adverse Reactions

• Localized: Vascular irritation, phlebitis, tissue necrosis (if extravasated)

• Systemic: Bradycardia, arrhythmias, hypotension, flushing, hypercalcemia

• Rare: Calcium precipitates in soft tissues, renal calculi (long-term use)

Storage & Stability

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F)

• Do not freeze

• Discard any unused portion after initial puncture

• Protect from light and extreme temperatures

Who Should Use This?

Calcium Chloride Injection 100 mg/mL is specifically intended for:

• Hospital emergency departments and ICUs

• Cardiac arrest and advanced life support (ACLS) protocols

• Nephrology and dialysis centers

• Toxicology and poison control settings

• Operating rooms and anesthesiology

Calcium Chloride Injection 100 mg/mL – 10 mL delivers fast, effective, and potent calcium supplementation for critical care situations, giving clinicians rapid control over life-threatening electrolyte disturbances and supporting essential cardiac and neuromuscular function. Its role in emergency protocols makes it a staple in hospital crash carts, ICU management, and acute care settings where seconds matter.