QUESTION: You mentioned in your IV course that calcium gluconate is the antidote to magnesium overdose; however, the dose for Calcium was not listed or in my notes. What is the dose please? In the likely case that the magnesium dose matters, we are considering an IV push of 3 ml 50% mag sulf. Thank you for the technical support.
ANSWER: Recall either CaCl or Ca Gluconate can be used to antidote. CaCl IS however 3X stronger!
In asystole or HR under 30 you give 1 gram IV push Ca Gluc / and 300 mg CaCl IV push – then wait for a HR increase.
If more is required we usually do 1 gram Calcium in a 250 or 500 mL bag while EMS is coming.
