What is the adult dose of Calcium Chloride (ALS)?

• A. 0.5 g IV/IO
• B. 1 g IV/IO
• C. 2 g IV/IO
• D. 3 g IV/IO

Answer: (B)

Calcium chloride is used in ALS to rapidly raise calcium levels and stabilize cardiac membranes when the heart is at risk due to hyperkalemia or certain toxin-induced states, like calcium channel blocker overdose. In adults, the standard dose given IV or IO is one gram. Since a 10% calcium chloride solution contains 1 gram in about 10 mL, this means administering roughly 10 mL over a couple of minutes and then flushing the line. It’s important to give it slowly and through a suitable IV/IO access, monitor for adverse effects, and avoid infiltration because calcium salts can damage tissue if they escape the vessel. Doses smaller than this may be ineffective in emergent situations, while larger doses are not the recommended ALS amount.