Calcium Injection

pronounced as (kal' see um)

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Why is this medicine prescribed?

Calcium injection is used in children and adults to treat low levels of calcium in the body. Calcium is in a class of medications called minerals. It works by increasing the supply of calcium necessary for many of the body's functions.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Calcium injection comes as a solution (liquid) for injection. It is mixed with other fluids and given into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Your doctor will increase or decrease your dose depending on your response.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving calcium injection,

  • tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
  • some medications should not be used with calcium injection. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before receiving calcium injection with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while receiving calcium injection, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
  • tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, high levels of calcium in your blood, or are receiving or expect to receive ceftriaxone. Your doctor may tell you not to receive calcium injection.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Calcium injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • an abnormal sensation of tingling, prickling, burning, or numbness in the skin
  • burning at the site of injection
  • dizziness
  • flushing or feeling of warmth
  • changes in taste

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • redness, swelling, or thickening or hardening of the skin near the place where the injection is given
  • dizziness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain

Calcium injection may cause increased amounts of aluminum to stay in the body and may cause bone or nervous system problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.

Calcium injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (

1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to calcium injection.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS ® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists ® , 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: April 15, 2025.