Hypocalcaemia

Borders Intranet - Electrolyte Deficiency Lothian RefHelp Society for Endocrinology Guidance

For calcium deficiency, 8 tablets daily.

Calvive effervescent tablets should only be used for patients who require a dispersible preparation due to cost difference between the two first line preparations.

For calcium deficiency, 2 twice a day.

As per specialist.

Calcium chloride can be used in emergency situations and should be given via a central line.

As per specialist.

Prescribing Notes:

Sandocal 1000 are now known as Calvive 1000 effervescent tablets.
Calcium supplements are usually only required if dietary calcium intake is deficient.
Further prescribing advice can be found in the Society for Endocrinology Guidance during the initial phase of assessment and management of acute hypocalcaemia in adult patients.
See recommendations for the treatment of Osteoporosis in the Endocrine chapter of the formulary and for calcium and vitamin D supplements in the Vitamin deficiency section.
Calcium is usually used in combination with vitamin D in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
The administration time for calcium therapy is important: if used as a phosphate binder it should be prescribed 5-10 minutes before meals, but if used as a calcium supplement it should be prescribed away from mealtimes, often at night.
Calcium gluconate is used in treatment of hypocalcaemic tetany or acute deficiency states in surgical patients.
Hypocalcaemia may be associated with vitamin D, parathyroid hormone deficiency or magnesium deficiency and these should be assessed and corrected.

History Notes

20/04/2023

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Preparation chosen according to child’s age and ability to take the medication

Neonate: 0.25mmol/kg 4 times a day, adjusted according to response.

1 month - 4 years: 0.25mmol/kg 4 times a day, adjusted according to response.

5-11 years: 0.2mmol/kg 4 times a day, adjusted according to response.

12-17 years: 10mmol 4 times a day, adjusted according to response.

Prescribing Notes:

Sandocal 1000 (now known as Calvive 1000) effervescent tablets. To measure doses less than 25mmol, dissolve one tablet in 25ml of water to provide a 1mmol/ml solution, discard the remaining solution safely.
Calcium supplements are recommended in patients who have vitamin D deficiency with low calcium or high alkaline phosphatase. For prescribing guidance please refer to the policy for Vitamin D deficiency in children and Young People.
Calcium supplements are usually only required if dietary calcium intake is deficient.

History Notes

10/08/2022

Broken web link fixed to policy on Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and Young People

10/06/2020

Content migrated from LJF website.