Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Calcium Chloride Injection USP
What is Calcium Chloride Injection USP used for?
Calcium Chloride Injection USP is used in adults:
- to treat low calcium levels in the blood
- to treat magnesium intoxication due to overdosage of magnesium sulfate
- to treat high potassium levels in blood
- as part of the resuscitation procedure following a cardiac arrest (when defibrillation leaves the heart weak, or when epinephrine does not work)
How does Calcium Chloride Injection USP work?
Calcium Chloride Injection USP works by supplying more calcium and chloride minerals to your body when your body does not have the right balance.
What are the ingredients in Calcium Chloride Injection USP?
Medicinal ingredients: calcium chloride dihydrate
Non-medicinal ingredients: Hydrochloric Acid and/or Sodium Hydroxide for pH adjustment, Water for Injection USP
Calcium Chloride Injection USP comes in the following dosage forms:
Solution in a single-use pre-filled syringe: 100 mg/mL
Do not use Calcium Chloride Injection USP if:
- you are allergic to calcium chloride, or to any other ingredient in the formulation
- you have ventricular fibrillation (a dangerous irregular heartbeat)
- you are at risk of existing digitalis toxicity
- you are being treated for asystole and electromechanical dissociation
- administered for injection into tissues, since it is irritating to veins and severe death of body tissue and shedding may occur
- you are currently receiving ceftriaxone (an antibiotic) injections
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Calcium Chloride Injection USP. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have any kidney problems
- are taking or have recently taken digitalis, or digitalis-like preparations for heart problems
- are taking any calcium channel blockers
are pregnant, or think you are pregnant
- are breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
The following may interact with Calcium Chloride Injection USP:
- ceftriaxone (an antibiotic)
- digitalis or digitalis-like preparations for heart problems
- medicines called “calcium channel blockers”
How to take Calcium Chloride Injection USP:
- Calcium Chloride Injection USP is given to you by a healthcare professional in a healthcare setting.
- Calcium Chloride Injection USP is given by slow injection into a vein.
- If you feel any discomfort during the injection, tell your healthcare professional.
Usual dose:
The dose of Calcium Chloride Injection USP is decided by a healthcare professional.
Overdose:
Since the injection is given to you by a healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will be given too much. However, symptoms of an overdosage may include:
- anorexia
- nausea or vomiting
- constipation or stomach pain
- muscle weakness
- mental disturbances
- feeling thirsty
- frequent urination
- bone pain
- kidney stones
- irregular heartbeat
- coma
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much Calcium Chloride Injection USP, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
What are possible side effects from using Calcium Chloride Injection USP?
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking Calcium Chloride Injection USP. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
- calcium taste in the mouth
- hot flushes
- burning sensation at the site of injection
- temporary low blood pressure
- tingling or pricking (“pins and needles”) sensation
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Calcium Chloride Injection USP is stored by a healthcare professional, between 20 and 25°C.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about Calcium Chloride Injection USP:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website [www.pfizer.ca], or by calling 1-800-463-6001.