Pharm 101: Calcium
Class
Mineral
Clinical use
- Treatment of hypocalcaemia
- Major causes are hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, malabsorption
- IV, IM or PO administration
- Calcium carbonate is preferred oral option (40% calcium and antacid properties)
- Calcium gluconate is preferred IV option (less irritating to veins)
- IV administration:
- Severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia
- Slow infusion of 5-20ml of 10% calcium gluconate
- Adverse effects:
- Local irritation to veins
- Cardiac arrhythmias with rapid administration
- Hypercalcaemia
References
- Katzung BG. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 14e. 2018
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MBBS (UWA) CCPU Emergency Medicine Advanced Trainee based in Melbourne, Australia. Co-author of the LITFL ECG Library. Likes Ultrasound, Echo, ECGs, and anything and everything with caffeine. Part of the 2021 ANZCEN Clinician Educator Incubator Programme | @rob_buttner | ECG Library |