POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.037% IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No 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. |
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 | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Breastfeeding | Excretion in breast milk is unlikely to cause adverse effects in the infant. No M/P ratio available; components are normal constituents of milk. Compatible with breastfeeding. |
| 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. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA boxed warning exists for this product.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Renal failure with oliguria","Severe dehydration","Concomitant use with potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors (relative)"]
| 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"] |
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| 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. |