Category:

• Electrolyte and water

Description:

• Electrolyte (element)

Indications:

• Hypocalcemic tetany, hypocalcemia related to hypoparathyroidism and due to rapid growth of pregnancy

• Black widow spider bites to relieve muscle cramping

• Hyperkalemia (if patient is not digitalized)

Contraindications:

• Ventricular fibrillation

• Hypercalcemia

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category C

• Inject very slowly (1.5 ml/min)

• Use only if calcium compound if indications are clearly defined in a digitalized patient

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• FAST administration: tingling sensations, sense of oppression “heat waves”

• vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia

• cardiac arrhythmias, syncope and cardiac arrest

Dosage:

Administered SLOW intravenous infusion ONLY  

The dose is dependent on the requirements of the individual patient.

Usual dose:

• Adult: 0.5-2g (5-20ml)

• Child: 200-500mg (2-5ml)

• Infant: Not more than 200mg (2ml)

Solution must be clear (no precipitate present) prior to use.  If present, a precipitate may be dissolved by warming vial to 60-80 degrees C (140-176 degrees F), with occasional agitation, until the solution becomes clear.  Shake vigorously. Allow to cool to room temperature before dispensing.

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Department of the Navy
2300 E Street NW
Washington, D.C
20372-5300

Operational Medicine
 Health Care in Military Settings
CAPT Michael John Hughey, MC, USNR
NAVMED P-5139
  January 1, 2001