Table Treatment of Hypercalcemia Oral phosphate for serum calcium < 11.5 mg / dL (< 2.9 mmol / L) with mild symptoms and no kidney disease IV saline and furosemide for more rapid correction of elevated serum calcium < 18 mg / dL (< 4.5 mmol / L) Bisphosphonates or other calcium-lowering drugs for serum calcium 11.5 to 18 mg / dL (3.7 to 5.8 mmol / L) and / or moderate symptoms Hemodialysis for serum calcium > 18 mg / dL (> 5.8 mmol / L) Surgical removal of parathyroid glands for moderate, progressive primary hyperparathyroidism and sometimes for mild hyperparathyroid disease Phosphate restriction and binders and sometimes calcitriol for secondary hyperparathyroidism There are 4 main strategies for lowering serum calcium: Decrease intestinal calcium absorption Increase urinary calcium excretion Decrease bone resorption Remove excess calcium through dialysis The treatment used depends on both the degree and the cause of hypercalcemia.