POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.037% IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride replaces potassium ions, which are essential for maintaining cellular membrane potential, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction. Dextrose provides caloric support and sodium chloride maintains electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is not metabolized; it is excreted primarily by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis. Sodium and chloride are handled by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Potassium is primarily excreted renally (approximately 90%) via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion, with minimal fecal (about 10%) and negligible biliary elimination. Dextrose and sodium chloride are fully metabolized or excreted renally. |
| Half-life | Potassium has a half-life of approximately 2-4 hours under normal renal function, reflecting rapid distribution and elimination; clinical context: prolonged in renal impairment. |
| Protein binding | Potassium is not significantly protein-bound (<2% bound to albumin); dextrose and sodium chloride have negligible protein binding. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: 0.5-0.8 L/kg, distributing primarily in extracellular fluid with gradual cellular uptake; clinical meaning: higher Vd indicates extensive extracellular distribution. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (complete bioavailability). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate (within minutes) for serum potassium elevation. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Effect lasts 1-2 hours after infusion cessation due to rapid distribution and renal excretion; sustained effects require continuous or repeated administration. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion at a rate of 10-20 mEq/hour; maximum 40 mEq per dose. Dose based on serum potassium and clinical condition.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | For GFR 10-50 mL/min: decrease dose by 25-50%; for GFR <10 mL/min: decrease dose by 50-75% and monitor potassium and ECG closely. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment recommended; monitor potassium levels due to risk of hyperkalemia in severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C). |
| Pediatric use | 0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose intravenously over 1-2 hours; maximum 40 mEq/dose; rate not to exceed 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Monitor serum potassium and ECG. |
| Geriatric use | Start at lower end of dosing range; infuse at reduced rate (maximum 10 mEq/hour); monitor renal function and potassium levels frequently due to decreased renal reserve. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are generally considered safe in pregnancy when used for appropriate indications. Potassium and sodium are essential electrolytes, and dextrose provides calories. No known teratogenic effects. Use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as T1. Monitor serum electrolytes and glucose if prolonged use. |
| 3rd trimester | Same as T1. Avoid fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances, especially in preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium, sodium, and glucose cross the placenta by active transport and diffusion. Clinically, no adverse effects from this solution at standard doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium, sodium, and dextrose are normal constituents of breast milk. Administration of this solution does not pose a risk to the nursing infant. Monitor maternal fluid and electrolyte status. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride at these concentrations are considered safe in pregnancy. No teratogenic effects reported in any trimester when used as indicated for electrolyte or fluid replacement. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, glucose), fluid balance, renal function, and vital signs. Adjust infusion rate to avoid hyperkalemia, hypernatremia, or hyperglycemia. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility or reproductive function at therapeutic doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA boxed warning exists for this product.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaHypernatremiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaHyperglycemia with marked glucose intolerance (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis unless corrected)Fluid overload (e.g., congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema)
| Precautions | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, heart failure, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes during therapy, Avoid rapid infusion to prevent hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias, Not for use in patients with hyperkalemia |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive intake of high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach) and salt substitutes containing potassium chloride. May need dietary potassium restriction if hyperkalemia risk. |
| Clinical Pearls | This solution is a hypotonic maintenance fluid (osmolarity ~330 mOsm/L). Monitor serum potassium closely, especially in renal impairment. Avoid in patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal failure, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Rate of administration should not exceed 10-20 mEq/h potassium unless monitored. Use with caution in patients on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium-sparing diuretics. |
| Patient Advice | Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or are on blood pressure medications. · Report any symptoms of high potassium such as muscle weakness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat. · Do not consume potassium supplements or salt substitutes without consulting your doctor. · Notify your healthcare provider if you experience pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site. |
Loading safety data…