Calcium chloride is both a medicinal aid and an industrial chemical, making it one of the more versatile compounds available. A rock salt by nature, the Household Products Database of the National Institutes of Health indicates that calcium chloride is used to melt ice and snow in wintry climates and as an active ingredient in some cleaning agents around the home. The NIH's National Library of Medicine lists its use as a electrolyte replacement for hospital patients susceptible to dehydration or mineral loss. It is also effective in the treatment of hypocalcemia, or abnormally low calcium levels in the body.
Neutralizes Potassium
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that calcium chloride can be used to resuscitate the heart during cardiac arrest linked to the overingestion of potassium, or hyperkalemia. According to MayoClinic.com, potassium overdose or toxicity leads can lead to cardiac arrest. Calcium chloride in a 10 percent solution is administered intravenously, followed by typical cardiac life support techniques: IV adrenaline and intubation and chest compressions to assist with breathing. The calcium chloride neutralizes the potassium, offering the medical procedures an optimal environment in which to work. These findings were published in an April 2009 issue of the "New Zealand Medical Journal."
Counteracts Atenolol
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario's London Health Sciences Centre examined treatments of heart block and shock due to atenolol overdose. Atenolol is a beta-blocker drug used to correct high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. Although overdose is rare, the scientists sought to link calcium chloride as a remedy. Their findings showed that calcium chloride "is an effective therapy and should be considered in cases of significant (beta)-blocker intoxication."
Counteracts Magnesium Overdose
According to its Food and Drug Administration description, magnesium sulfate is given to hospital patients to treat convulsions or electrolyte loss related to dehydration. When the patient is overdosed, the body's muscles lose their reflexes and breathing becomes difficult. The FDA writes that a calcium salt, such as calcium chloride, should be used to "counteract the potential hazards of magnesium intoxication."
Relieves Spider Bites
The black widow spider is one of the most poisonous insects in the world. National Geographic writes that while not fatal, venom from its bites is 15 times stronger than a rattesnake. The FDA lists calcium chloride as an "adjunctive therapy" to the venom antidote for black widow bites.
References
- Household Products Database: Calcium chloride
- "New Zealand Medical Journal"; A Successful Outcome...; U Nanda et al; April 24 2009.
- "Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine"; Successful Treatment of Severe...; J O'Grady; 2001.
- American Chemistry Council: Calcium Chloride
- National Geographic: Black Widow Spider
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