Hypocalcaemia

Reduced total serum calcium below 2.1 mmol/L or ionised calcium below 1.1 mmol/L. Develops in hypoparathyroidism, severe vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption syndromes, chronic kidney disease, and acute pancreatitis. Clinical features range from paraesthesia to tetany, seizures, and QT prolongation.

ICD-10 E83.51 drug

Also known as: Low serum calcium

Drugs used for this condition

ACalcium (oral salts: carbonate, citrate, lactate, gluconate)First line · Mineral supplements. CalciumOral calcium is first-line for mild-to-moderate hypocalcaemia. Treatment dose: 1,000–2,000 mg elemental calcium daily in 2–3 portions with concurrent vitamin D correction and elimination of the cause. In severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia (tetany, laryngospasm, QT prolongation), intravenous calcium gluconate is used.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit