Calcium chloride is a salt. One molecule of calcium chloride contains one calcium atom and two chloride atoms. At room temperature, it is solid and it dissolves easily in water. It can be used to dry things because it rapidly absorbs water and it is also used to help dissolve ice and snow on roads. In addition to these common uses, calcium chloride solutions have a variety of medical applications.
Hypocalcemia
Calcium chloride can be used as a treatment for low calcium in the blood, a condition that is also known as hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can be a result of either insufficient calcium intake or a problem with the body eliminating calcium too rapidly. Hypocalcemia can cause muscle rigidity (also known as tetany), tingling, paralysis and muscle cramping. Hypocalcemia can also cause seizures, dementia, mood changes and heart problems. Calcium chloride is used to treat hypocalcemia when it needs to be corrected rapidly. It is usually given intravenously for maximum effect.
Insect Bites and Hypersensitivity
Calcium chloride is also used to treat certain insect bites (including bites from black widow spiders). It can also be used to treat certain kinds of hypersensitivity reactions (such as allergic reactions) especially those with uticaria (red itchy bumps on the affected area). In these cases, calcium chloride is injected just under the skin of the affected area.
Magnesium Intoxication
Calcium chloride can also be used to treat magnesium intoxication. Magnesium intoxication can be a result of taking too much magnesium sulfate, either accidentally or intentionally. Because calcium ions have a similar structure as magnesium, increasing calcium in the blood via the administration of calcium chloride can help prevent some of the damage of magnesium intoxication.
Open Heart Surgery
Calcium chloride can also be used to stimulate the heart to contract when it is either not contracting or contracting weakly. This treatment is most commonly used after open heart surgery when epinephrine has failed to fully stimulate the heart.
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