POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.037% IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Dextrose 5% provides free water and calories to correct carbohydrate depletion and osmotic diuresis. Potassium chloride replaces potassium ions to maintain cellular membrane potential, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction. Sodium chloride 0.11% provides sodium and chloride ions to maintain extracellular fluid volume and osmolality.
| Metabolism | Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle; potassium and sodium are not metabolized but are excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% of potassium is excreted via kidneys, with minor fecal loss (~10%). Dextrose and sodium are fully metabolized or renally excreted. |
| Half-life | Potassium: not applicable as an element; distribution half-life ~1 h. Dextrose: minutes. Sodium: regulated with t1/2 of ~1-2 h for acute load. |
| Protein binding | Potassium: negligible (<2%). Dextrose: none. Sodium: none. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: ~0.5 L/kg (total body water). Dextrose: ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular fluid initially). Sodium: ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular space). |
| Bioavailability | IV: 100% for all components. Oral: not relevant for IV formulation. |
| Onset of Action | IV: immediate (within seconds to minutes) for potassium repletion; dextrose and sodium effects begin upon infusion. |
| Duration of Action | Potassium: persists as long as infusion continues; effects last minutes to hours after cessation. Dextrose: ~1-2 h post-infusion. Sodium: minutes to hours depending on renal function. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion; rate and volume determined by electrolyte needs and fluid status. Typical maintenance: 1-2 mEq/kg/day potassium chloride, administered at a rate not exceeding 10-20 mEq/h via peripheral line or up to 40 mEq/h via central line. This product provides 0.037% KCl (5 mEq/L), 5% dextrose, and 0.11% NaCl (19 mEq/L Na+).
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) unless hypokalemia is documented and close monitoring is possible. For eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m²: reduce infusion rate and total daily dose by 50% with frequent serum potassium monitoring. Use with caution in acute renal failure. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dose adjustment required for Child-Pugh class A or B. For Child-Pugh class C: monitor serum potassium closely due to risk of hyperkalemia, especially with concomitant diuretics or renal impairment; consider lower infusion rates and total doses. |
| Pediatric use | Dose based on weight: usual maintenance potassium chloride 2-4 mEq/kg/day IV infusion. For infants and children <25 kg: maximum infusion rate 0.5-1 mEq/kg/h, not to exceed 20 mEq/h. This product provides fixed concentrations; adjust infusion rate accordingly to avoid exceeding potassium infusion limits. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to age-related decline in renal function. Start at lower end of dosing range (e.g., 20-40 mEq/day) and titrate slowly. Monitor serum potassium, renal function, and volume status frequently. Avoid rapid infusion rates. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride is generally considered safe in pregnancy when used for electrolyte replacement at recommended doses. Excessive potassium intake may cause hyperkalemia, which can affect fetal cardiac function. Use only when clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as T1. Monitor serum potassium levels to avoid hyperkalemia. Dextrose and sodium chloride are standard maintenance fluids. |
| 3rd trimester | Same as T2. Consider maternal fluid balance and electrolyte status. No specific teratogenic risk identified with potassium chloride, dextrose, or sodium chloride at therapeutic doses. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses the placenta via active transport; fetal serum potassium is regulated within narrow limits. Dextrose crosses readily; sodium chloride crosses freely. No significant accumulation expected at therapeutic doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium chloride is a normal component of breast milk. Supplementation at usual doses does not pose significant risk to the infant. Monitor maternal potassium levels to avoid excessive transfer. Dextrose and sodium chloride are also normal constituents. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Compatible) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are physiological electrolytes and nutrients. No teratogenic effects are expected when used at recommended doses. However, maternal electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia) may indirectly affect fetal development. First trimester: No known increased risk; second/third trimester: risk of fetal acidosis or hyperglycemia if maternal levels are severely altered. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, glucose) and renal function periodically. If high-volume infusion, monitor for fluid overload (edema, pulmonary congestion). Fetal assessment: nonstress test or biophysical profile if maternal condition warrants (e.g., preeclampsia, diabetes). Monitor for signs of maternal hypoglycemia or hyperkalemia/hypernatremia. |
| Fertility Effects | No known negative impact on fertility or reproductive function at therapeutic doses. Severe electrolyte disturbances could theoretically affect ovulation or implantation, but not expected with proper use. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaUncontrolled Addison's diseaseAcute dehydration with salt depletionConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics without careful monitoringSevere metabolic acidosis
| Precautions | May cause hyperkalemia if potassium excretion is impaired or if given too rapidly, Risk of volume overload in patients with cardiac or renal impairment, Administration may cause dilutional hyponatremia and hyperglycemia, Monitor serum potassium, sodium, glucose, and fluid balance regularly, Avoid use in patients with hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, or hyperglycemia, Use caution in patients with impaired renal function or Addison's disease |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive dietary potassium (bananas, oranges, potatoes) if serum potassium is high. This product is often used in hospital settings; patients should follow dietary restrictions as directed by their physician. |
| Clinical Pearls | This combination provides maintenance fluid and electrolytes. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products. Check for compatibility with other additives. |
| Patient Advice | This solution is used to provide fluids and electrolytes to your body. · Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, diabetes, or are on a potassium-restricted diet. · Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, especially potassium supplements or diuretics. · Report any signs of allergic reaction, swelling, or shortness of breath during infusion. · Do not stop the infusion without medical advice. |
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