Product Details
Category
Desiccants; Preservatives; Adsorbentss
Molecular Weight
110.98 (for anhydrous)
Grade
Pharmceutical Excipients
Description
Calcium chloride occurs as a white or colorless crystalline powder,granules, or crystalline mass, and is hygroscopic (deliquescent).
Chemical Name
Calcium chloride anhydrous
Synonyms
Calcii chloridum dihydricum; calcii chloridum hexahydricum.
Administration route
Infiltration, Intramuscular, Intraocular, Intrathecal, Intravenous, Intravitreal, Ophthalmic, oral, Respiratory(Inhalation)
Dosage Form
Injection, Soultion, Injectable, Liposomal, Susupension, Drops, Capsule, Concentrate
Stability and Storage Conditions
Calcium chloride is chemically stable; however, it should be protected from moisture. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Applications
The main applications of calcium chloride as an excipient relate to its dehydrating properties and, therefore, it has been used as an antimicrobial preservative, as a desiccant, and as an astringent in eye lotions. Therapeutically, calcium chloride injection 10% (as the dihydrate form) is used to treat hypocalcemia.
Safety
Calcium chloride is used in topical, ophthalmic, and injection preparations. The pure form of calcium chloride is toxic by intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous routes, and moderately toxic by ingestion, causing stomach and heart disturbances. It is a severe eye irritant and can cause dermatitis.
Incompatibilities
Calcium chloride is incompatible with soluble carbonates, phosphates, sulfates, and tartrates.It reacts violently with bromine trifluoride, and a reaction with zinc releases explosive hydrogen gas. It has an exothermic reaction with water, and when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of chlorine.