TABLE 1

Initial treatment of hypercalcemia

SeveritySerum calcium level (mg/dL)Treatment
Mild10.2–12.0Stop causative medications and encourage oral hydration
Moderate12.0–14.0Start intravenous (IV) normal saline at maintenance dose if symptoms have been present without resolution
Severe> 14.0Start IV normal saline at maintenance dose, consider combined calcitonin and bisphosphonate therapy If no improvement, consider denosumab or a glucocorticoid
Very severe> 18.0Consider dialysis in patients with worsening renal failure or neurologic symptoms (or both)