Fluoride Toxicity Medication

Updated: Jan 11, 2021
  • Author: Johnathan Ly, MD; Chief Editor: Michael A Miller, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

The goals of therapy in patients with fluoride toxicity are to reduce toxicity and prevent complications. No antidote for fluoride toxicity exists, and activated charcoal does not adsorb fluoride. Electrolytes may be used to correct imbalances resulting from fluoride toxicity.

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Antidotes, Other

Class Summary

Calcium chloride is administered to correct hypocalcemia that may result from fluoride poisoning. Calcium chloride provides 3 times more calcium than calcium gluconate on an equal-volume basis and is preferred (despite greater tissue toxicity if extravasation occurs).

Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is used to manage the underlying hypocalcemic effects caused by fluoride poisoning.

Calcium gluconate (Cal-Glu)

Calcium gluconate moderates nerve and muscle performance and facilitates normal cardiac function. For systemic hypocalcemia, the agent can be given intravenously initially, and then calcium levels can be maintained with a high-calcium diet. Some patients require oral calcium supplementation.

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