DEXTROSE 5% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DEXTROSE 5% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (DEXTROSE 5% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
Dextrose 5% provides a source of calories and water for hydration, and potassium chloride replenishes potassium stores to maintain cellular function and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to produce ATP; potassium is primarily excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Potassium is eliminated primarily by the kidneys (90%), with minor fecal loss (10%). Dextrose is metabolized to CO2 and water; excess is excreted renally. In renal impairment, potassium excretion is reduced. |
| Half-life | Exogenous potassium has a half-life of approximately 8 hours; dextrose has a half-life of minutes (continuous utilization). Context: Potassium half-life is prolonged in renal failure, requiring dose adjustment. |
| Protein binding | Dextrose and potassium chloride exhibit negligible protein binding (<5%); potassium is not protein-bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Dextrose: Vd ~0.2 L/kg (confined to extracellular fluid); potassium: Vd ~0.5-0.6 L/kg (distributes to total body water). Clinical meaning: Small Vd requires caution in fluid overload; potassium Vd aids interpretation of serum levels. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% bioavailability for both components. Not administered by other routes. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Dextrose effect on blood glucose occurs within minutes; potassium effect on serum potassium begins within seconds and plateaus in 1-2 hours. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Dextrose is rapidly cleared, with effects lasting 1-2 hours post-infusion; potassium distribution completes in about 6 hours, with total body potassium normalization requiring longer. |
Intravenous infusion; rate and volume determined by fluid, electrolyte, and caloric requirements of the patient. Typical adult dose: 500-1000 mL of D5 0.15% KCl at a rate of 100-200 mL/hour (2 mL/kg/hour maximum in normokalemic patients). Monitor serum potassium and glucose.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Use with caution in renal impairment. GFR > 50 mL/min: no adjustment. GFR 30-50 mL/min: reduce potassium content or use lower concentration if hyperkalemia risk. GFR 10-29 mL/min: avoid potassium chloride unless documented hypokalemia; close monitoring required. GFR < 10 mL/min: potassium chloride contraindicated if anuria or oliguria. Dosing based on electrolyte monitoring. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh based dose adjustments for dextrose or potassium chloride. Use standard dosing with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of fluid overload and hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia. Monitor electrolytes and glucose. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion; dose individualized based on weight, fluid status, and electrolyte needs. Typical: 2-6 mL/kg/hour of D5 0.15% KCl (maximum potassium infusion rate 0.5-1 mEq/kg/hour). Monitor serum potassium and glucose frequently. |
| Geriatric use |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for DEXTROSE 5% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (DEXTROSE 5% AND POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
| Breastfeeding | Dextrose and potassium chloride are normal blood constituents. Exogenous administration unlikely to affect breastfed infant. No M/P ratio available; consider physiological concentrations. Use with caution in mothers with electrolyte imbalances. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Dextrose and potassium chloride are generally safe in pregnancy at recommended doses. No teratogenic effects reported. Potassium chloride is essential for fetal development; excess may cause maternal hyperkalemia with fetal arrhythmia risk. Dextrose may affect maternal glucose homeostasis. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Not for use in patients with hyperkalemia, renal failure, or conditions where potassium administration is contraindicated.
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Renal failure with oliguria or anuria","Addison's disease","Severe burns or trauma","Concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics"]
| Precautions | ["Risk of hyperkalemia if administered too rapidly or in patients with impaired renal function","Monitor serum potassium levels and renal function during administration","Use with caution in patients with heart disease, diabetes, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia"] |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions; dietary potassium intake should be considered in context of total potassium load. Patients on potassium-restricted diets require dose adjustment. |
Loading safety data…
| Use with caution due to age-related decreased renal function and higher risk of hyperkalemia, fluid overload, and glucose intolerance. Start at lower infusion rates (e.g., 50-100 mL/hour) and titrate based on electrolytes, renal function, and volume status. Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and renal function closely. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes. Assess fluid balance. Fetal monitoring if maternal hyperkalemia or hypoglycemia occurs. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. Potassium chloride and dextrose are essential nutrients; imbalance may affect reproductive function. |
| Clinical Pearls | Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels during infusion. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment or those on potassium-sparing diuretics. Do not administer simultaneously with blood through same tubing due to risk of hemolysis. Peripheral IV administration may cause phlebitis; consider central line for high concentrations. |
| Patient Advice | This intravenous solution contains potassium; report any muscle weakness, numbness, or palpitations. · Inform your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems or are taking certain blood pressure medications. · The infusion may cause discomfort at the injection site; notify staff if this occurs. · Do not adjust the infusion rate yourself; the rate is controlled by medical personnel. |