calcium chloride (CaCl2), a granular white chemical with an unpleasant taste. It is used in a concentrated solution of the chloride salt of calcium to replenish calcium in the blood and also has uses in cardiac resuscitation. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for the treatment of hypocalcemic tetany and as an antidote for lead or magnesium poisoning or magnesium sulfate overdose. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Renal insufficiency, ventricular fibrillation, hypercalcemia, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. Calcium chloride is never injected into tissue. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions is hypercalcemia.
