Calcium chloride

Calcium Chloride

• It is used to treat or prevent low calcium levels.
• It is used to protect the heart from high potassium levels.
• It is used to protect the heart and lungs from high magnesium levels.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Calcium Chloride?

• If you have an allergy to calcium or any other part of calcium chloride.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Breathing problems, high calcium levels, or low calcium levels caused by kidney problems.
• If you are taking ceftriaxone.
• If you are taking digoxin.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with calcium chloride.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take calcium chloride with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Calcium Chloride?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take calcium chloride. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may contain aluminum. There is a chance of aluminum toxicity if you are on calcium chloride for a long time. The risk is greater if you have kidney problems. The risk is also higher in premature infants. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using calcium chloride while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Calcium Chloride) best taken?

Use calcium chloride as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
• It may be given as a shot into a vein.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Mood changes.
• Change in how much urine is passed.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Back pain, belly pain, or blood in the urine. May be signs of a kidney stone.
• This medicine may cause tissue damage if the drug leaks from the vein. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, blisters, skin sores, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.

What are some other side effects of Calcium Chloride?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Bad taste in your mouth.
• Hot flashes.
• Not hungry.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Constipation.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• More thirst.
• Bone pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Calcium Chloride?

• If you need to store calcium chloride at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer information use

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about calcium chloride, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

More about calcium chloride

• Side Effects
• During Pregnancy
• Dosage Information
• Drug Interactions
• Pricing & Coupons
• Drug class: minerals and electrolytes
• FDA Alerts (2)

Professional resources

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