Discharge Instructions for Hypercalcemia (Child)

Diet and fluids

• Don’t limit how much salt your child eats.

• Ask your doctor how much fluid your child should drink. Most children with hypercalcemia need to drink 2 quarts to 1 gallon (2 to 4 liters) of fluid every day. This depends on their size and age. An infant or toddler needs much less.

• Keep track of how much fluid your child drinks:

  • Fill a jug with water and keep it in your refrigerator. A washed and rinsed milk jug is a good choice.

  • Encourage your child to drink the water in the jug during the course of the day. Do this after checking with your child’s doctor to confirm the correct amount for the size of your child.

• Limit how much dairy your child eats:

  • Limit the amount of milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and ice cream to 1 or 2 small servings per day.

  • Read food labels. Don’t buy dairy or other products with added calcium, such as orange juice or soy milk.

Other home care

• Encourage activity. If your child’s hypercalcemia was caused by long-term bed rest, try to increase their activity.

• Encourage your child to get back to normal activities as directed by their doctor.

• Don't give your child antacid medicine. Many of these contain calcium.

• Tell your doctor about any other medicines your child is taking, including over-the-counter, herbal medicine, or dietary supplements.

• Make sure your child takes their medicine exactly as directed.

Follow-up

• Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor, or as advised. 

• Keep all appointments for lab work and follow-up. Your child’s doctor needs to watch your child’s condition closely.

When to contact your child's doctor

Contact the doctor right away if your child has:

• Extreme fatigue.

• Loss of appetite.

• Trouble urinating, pain when urinating, or blood in the urine.

• Vomiting or diarrhea.

• Increased thirst.

• Irregular heartbeat.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

• Depression.

• Confusion.