Calcium Chloride

Trade name

Calcium Chloride (Phebra)

Strength

100 mg/mL [10%] (volume: 10 mL)

Calcium chloride 100 mg is equivalent to elemental calcium 0.68 mmol.

IV administration

Administer via a large vein, preferably via a central line.

Dilute to 20 mg/mL or weaker and give over at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. May be given by continuous infusion.

Intensive care or emergency settings only:

Give undiluted over 5 to 10 minutes via central line where possible.

Maximum rate: 100 mg/minute, higher rates have been used in emergency situations. Seek specialist advice.

Other routes of administration

IM: Contraindicated, severe necrosis and sloughing may occur.

SC: Contraindicated, severe necrosis and sloughing may occur.

Compatible IV fluids

Glucose 5%

Sodium chloride 0.9%

Y-site only and calcium chloride 20 mg/mL or weaker:

Plasma-Lyte 148

Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L

Additional information

Extravasation risk.  

Highly irritant: Monitor IV site closely. Calcium gluconate may be preferred in non-cardiac arrest settings when clinically appropriate. 

Continuous cardiac monitoring required. Use only when facilities for cardiac monitoring and cardio-respiratory resuscitation exist.  

Do NOT administer via scalp vein, or small hand or foot vein. 

Rapid administration may cause vasodilation, hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.  

Warm solution to body temperature prior to administration if possible. 

Discard any unused vial contents.  

Do not infuse calcium chloride through the same IV line as ceftriaxone. See ceftriaxone monograph for further details.