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

Robert Buttner

Adult/Paediatric Emergency Medicine Advanced Trainee in Melbourne, Australia. Special interests in diagnostic and procedural ultrasound, medical education, and ECG interpretation. Co-creator of the LITFL ECG Library. Twitter: @rob_buttner