Indication |
For the treatment of hypocalcemia in those conditions requiring a
prompt increase in blood plasma calcium levels, for the treatment of
magnesium intoxication due to overdosage of magnesium sulfate, and used
to combat the deleterious effects of hyperkalemia as measured by
electrocardiographic (ECG), pending correction of the increased
potassium level in the extracellular fluid. |
Pharmacodynamics |
Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the body and the
major fraction is in the bony structure. Calcium plays important
physiological roles, many of which are poorly understood. It is
essential for the functional integrity of the nervous and muscular
systems. It is necessary for normal cardiac function and is one of the
factors that operates in the mechanisms involved in the coagulation of
blood. |
Mechanism of action |
Calcium chloride in water dissociates to provide calcium (Ca2+) and chloride (Cl-)
ions. They are normal constituents of the body fluids and are dependent
on various physiological mechanisms for maintenance of balance between
intake and output. For hyperkalemia, the influx of calcium helps restore
the normal gradient between threshold potential and resting membrane
potential. |
Absorption |
Not Available |
Volume of distribution |
Not Available |
Protein binding |
Not Available |
Metabolism |
Approximately 80% of body calcium is excreted in the feces as insoluble salts; urinary excretion accounts for the remaining 20%. |
Route of elimination |
Approximately 80% of body calcium is excreted in the feces as insoluble salts; urinary excretion accounts for the remaining 20%. |
Half life |
Not Available |
Clearance |
Not Available |
Toxicity |
Too rapid injection may produce lowering of blood pressure and
cardiac syncope. Persistent hypercalcemia from overdosage of calcium is
unlikely because of rapid excretion. |