Drugs & Vitamins

Calcium chloride Active Ingredients: Calcium Salts injection Representative Names: Calcium chloride, Calcium disodium versenate What are calcium salts injections? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with calcium salts? What side effects may I notice from receiving calcium salts? What should I watch for while taking calcium salts? Where can I keep my medicine? What are calcium salts injections? (Back to top) CALCIUM SALTS (Calcium chloride, Calcium gluconate, Kalcinate® and others) are needed by the body to maintain normal nerve, muscle, bone, blood, and tissue structure and function. Calcium supplements treat or prevent calcium deficiency in patients whose calcium needs are greater than the amounts supplied by a normal diet (most often children, teenagers, pregnant or nursing women, or post-menopausal women). Calcium helps prevent the bone disease osteoporosis, in which bones become porous and easily broken. Calcium may also help remove too much potassium or magnesium from the body; to bind phosphate during dialysis; or to improve heart function. Generic injections of calcium salts are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •dehydration •diarrhea •digitalis poisoning •heart rhythm problems •sarcoidosis •too much calcium in the blood or urine, or history of stones in the urine •too much phosphate in the blood •too much vitamin D •under-active parathyroid •an unusual or allergic reaction to calcium, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Calcium salts are for injection into a muscle or into a vein. They are given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with calcium salts? (Back to top) •etidronate •gallium •magnesium salts •medicines for angina or high blood pressure •heart medicine such as digoxin •quinidine •sodium phosphate •verapamil •water pills Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving calcium salts? (Back to top) Serious side effects from calcium salts are uncommon but can occur with large doses, long-term use, or in patients with kidney disease. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion •constipation •depression •dizziness or fainting spells •drowsiness •dry mouth •flushing •headache •increased thirst •increased volume of urine or frequency in passing urine •irregular heartbeat •loss of appetite •lower back pain or pain and difficulty passing urine •nausea, vomiting •sweating •unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •pain or irritation at the injection site What should I watch for while taking calcium salts? (Back to top) Calcium supplementation is not a suitable substitute for a well-balanced diet and program of exercise. Weight-bearing exercise (walking, jogging, dancing, or aerobics) is essential to maintaining strong bones. Calcium is a normal part of a regular diet. Foods that contain significant amounts of calcium include: milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines, salmon, shrimp, and tofu (bean curd). Ask your prescriber or health care professional about the need to take extra calcium. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:05/13/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.