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Calcium Chloride

CaCl2

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Sourced from primary literature. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Emergency

Routes

IV

Indications

CPR (bradycardia from hyperkalemia)HyperkalemiaHyperkalemia (cardiac stabilization)

Mechanism of Action

Provides ionized calcium directly (3x more calcium per gram than gluconate). Stabilizes cardiac membrane potential in hyperkalemia.

Side effects & warnings

CENTRAL LINE PREFERRED (severe tissue necrosis with extravasation). 3x more elemental calcium than calcium gluconate. Bradycardia with rapid injection. Incompatible with bicarbonate.

Species with Calcium Chloride dosing data (3 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Evidence levels across 3 dose rules

Strong×3

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published primary source

  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 3 cited rules)

Free-tier preview — dog and cat dosing. Pro and Student unlock all 2 species including reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)IV0.15–0.5 ml/kg of 10%IV slowly over 10-15 minStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)IV0.5–1 ml/kg of 10%IV slowly over 5-10 minStrongPlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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Calculate Dosage for Calcium Chloride