Name: Calcium chloride
Class: Element
Mechanism:
Absorption: IV. Never inject IM (highly irritating).
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Major = hypercalcemia (esp. during long-term therapy or co-admin. w/vit. D). Hypercalciuria. Enhances action of digitalis. \ IV infusion may ppt arrhythmias. High level of irritation (esp. IM). Drug interactions—¯ bioavailability and/or oral absorption of some drugs (e.g., etidronate, tetracyclines, iron salts, atenolol, norfloxacin). Thiazide diuretic-induced hypercalcemias exacerbated by calcium supplementation.
Utility: Treat hypocalcemia. Reduces/prevents bone loss in older women (800 mg/d).
Special Features: 27% calcium. Probably obsolete due to greater irritation (enteral or parenteral admin.) than other calcium preparations.