calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride at a glance
Medicine class
Isotonic electrolyte solution for intravenous infusion
Usual role
Replacement of extracellular fluid and electrolytes in isotonic dehydration
Administration
Given into a vein by a healthcare professional, with fluid and electrolyte monitoring
Important compatibility
Contains calcium and must not be infused simultaneously with intravenous ceftriaxone
What is calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride used for?
This product is licensed to:
Replace losses from the extracellular fluid compartment.
Restore sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride balance when treating isotonic dehydration.
How does calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride work?
It adds water and major electrolytes to the extracellular space, expanding fluid within blood vessels and tissues. Sodium and chloride support extracellular fluid balance; potassium and calcium contribute to normal nerve, muscle and cardiac function.
How to take calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride
A doctor or nurse administers it through an intravenous line. The solution and bag are checked for particles, cloudiness, leaks or damage, and sterile technique is required. Tell staff promptly if the cannula becomes painful, red, swollen or starts burning.
Do not drink or self-inject the solution.
Partly used bags must not be reconnected or reused.
Any added medicine requires a compatibility check and aseptic preparation.
calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Electrolyte disturbances are listed as very common.
- In people with heart disease or pulmonary oedema, fluid overload and heart failure are listed as very common.
- Reported administration-related effects include fever, infusion-site pain, redness or swelling, vein inflammation, thrombosis, infection and leakage into surrounding tissue; frequency is not stated.
Get urgent medical advice
- Acute hyponatraemic encephalopathy, which may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, confusion or seizures.
- Fluid overload causing pulmonary congestion, worsening heart failure or severe breathlessness.
- Serious electrolyte disturbances causing muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythm, heart block or reduced consciousness.
- Extravasation causing tissue injury around the infusion site.
calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride in pregnancy
This product may be used during pregnancy when fluid and electrolyte balance are monitored. Particular care is needed during labour with oxytocin because of the risk of low blood sodium. Any medicine added to the infusion must be assessed separately.
calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride while breastfeeding
This product may be used while breastfeeding when fluid and electrolyte balance are monitored. Calcium is distributed into breast milk, and any added medicine needs a separate breastfeeding assessment. Tell the clinical team if you are breastfeeding, particularly if the baby was premature or unwell.
calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride interactions
Clinicians should review medicines affecting calcium, potassium, sodium or water balance and check compatibility before adding or co-infusing medicines.
Ceftriaxone
Calcium–ceftriaxone precipitates can form. Simultaneous intravenous administration is prohibited, with stricter contraindications for newborn infants.
Digoxin and other digitalis glycosides
Calcium may enhance their cardiac effects and cause serious or fatal arrhythmias; concomitant treatment is contraindicated.
Potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, tacrolimus and ciclosporin
These can increase blood potassium, particularly when renal function is impaired.
Common questions about calcium chloride dihydrate + potassium chloride + sodium chloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It replaces extracellular fluid and helps restore sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride balance during isotonic dehydration.
How is it given?
A healthcare professional gives it as an intravenous infusion through a cannula or other venous line.
Is it the same as Hartmann's solution?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.