Which medication is used specifically in the case of known or suspected hypocalcemia in pediatrics?

Calcium chloride is often preferred in acute situations of known or suspected hypocalcemia, especially in pediatric care. It provides a quick and effective way to elevate calcium levels in critically ill patients. It's essential for the treatment of severe hypocalcemia, which can occur due to various conditions such as hypoparathyroidism or after a chronic illness that has led to reduced calcium absorption.

When treating pediatric patients, calcium chloride is beneficial due to its high calcium content and rapid onset of action. While both calcium chloride and calcium gluconate can be used in cases of hypocalcemia, calcium chloride is generally the more effective option for acute administration because of its higher elemental calcium concentration.

Other options serve different purposes. Calcium carbonate is often taken as an oral supplement for calcium deficiency rather than for acute treatment. Calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, helps enhance calcium absorption from the gut but is not used for immediate correction in acute hypocalcemia. Therefore, in urgent scenarios requiring fast intervention, the use of calcium chloride aligns with critical care protocols in pediatrics for addressing hypocalcemia effectively.