POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.075% IN DEXTROSE 10% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium ions, essential for maintenance of intracellular tonicity, nerve impulse transmission, cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscle contraction, and acid-base balance. Dextrose 10% provides caloric supplementation, and sodium chloride 0.2% provides sodium and chloride ions to maintain electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys; dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle; sodium chloride is excreted mainly by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% of potassium and chloride ions are excreted by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized to CO2 and water, with minimal excretion unchanged (<5% renal). Sodium chloride is renally excreted (sodium >95% reabsorbed under normal conditions). |
| Half-life | Potassium: Not applicable as a drug; physiological half-life of potassium in the body is approximately 30 hours (whole-body turnover). Dextrose: rapid metabolism, half-life <15 minutes. Sodium chloride: not applicable (electrolyte). |
| Protein binding | Potassium: negligible (<2%, albumin). Dextrose: not bound. Sodium chloride: not bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: 0.5 L/kg (total body water, primarily intracellular). Dextrose: 0.2 L/kg (extracellular fluid). Sodium chloride: 0.2 L/kg (extracellular fluid). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate for plasma potassium and sodium adjustments; dextrose effect on blood glucose within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Duration depends on infusion rate and renal function; typically, electrolyte effects persist for the infusion period plus redistribution. Dextrose effect lasts 1-2 hours after infusion stops. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion, rate determined by severity of hypokalemia and patient condition; typical adult dose: 10-20 mEq potassium chloride per hour, not to exceed 40 mEq/hour or 200 mEq/day; solution provides 10 mEq potassium per liter at 0.075% concentration.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (eGFR < 20 mL/min/1.73 m²) or oliguria; for moderate impairment (eGFR 20-50 mL/min/1.73 m²), reduce infusion rate by 50% and monitor serum potassium closely; avoid use in chronic kidney disease stage 4-5 unless deficiency documented. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment required; monitor serum potassium in hepatic impairment due to risk of hyperkalemia from reduced aldosterone metabolism in cirrhosis; in Child-Pugh class C, use with caution and reduce rate if potassium increases. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based: 0.5-1 mEq/kg per dose infused over 1-2 hours, maximum 20 mEq per dose; concentration of 0.075% in dextrose 10% and sodium chloride 0.2% provides 10 mEq/L potassium, adjust volume accordingly; monitor serum potassium closely. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower infusion rates (e.g., 5-10 mEq/hour) due to age-related decline in renal function and increased risk of hyperkalemia; total daily dose not to exceed 100 mEq; monitor serum potassium and renal function frequently. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride in this concentration is generally considered safe when used as an electrolyte replenisher in appropriate doses. However, avoid hyperkalemia as it may cause fetal arrhythmias. Use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as t1. Monitor maternal potassium levels to avoid toxicity. No teratogenic risk at physiological doses. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe if used for indicated electrolyte imbalances. High doses may cause maternal hyperkalemia leading to fetal distress. Avoid in toxemia of pregnancy. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses the placenta by active transport; fetal levels are similar to maternal. Dextrose and sodium chloride also cross freely. No known adverse effects at therapeutic doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium chloride is a normal constituent of breast milk. Parenteral administration of this low concentration is unlikely to affect the infant. However, monitor maternal serum potassium to avoid excess. The dextrose content poses no risk. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are physiologic substances. Dextrose at 10% is hypertonic; no specific teratogenic risk is identified at standard replacement doses. However, hyperglycemia from dextrose infusion may cause fetal hyperinsulinism and macrosomia, especially in gestational diabetes. No trimester-specific risks apart from those related to electrolyte imbalances or hyperglycemia. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum potassium, sodium, glucose, and fluid balance. In pregnancy, monitor fetal heart rate and uterine activity with high infusion rates. Assess for signs of maternal hyperglycemia or electrolyte disturbances. |
| Fertility Effects | No adverse effects on fertility reported with intravenous electrolyte replacement at standard doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium chloride solutions must be diluted before use to avoid fatal hyperkalemia.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment (oliguria, anuria)Addison's diseaseAcute dehydrationConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diureticsCrush syndromeSevere hemolytic reactions
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes during therapy, Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, Rapid infusion may cause hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest, Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is intact |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid additional potassium supplements or potassium-rich foods without medical approval due to risk of hyperkalemia. No food interactions with dextrose or sodium chloride at this concentration. Consult dietitian for diabetic meal planning due to dextrose content. |
| Clinical Pearls | This is a hypotonic IV solution with low potassium (10 mEq/L), dextrose (10%), and sodium chloride (0.2%). Use cautiously in patients with renal impairment or hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and sodium levels. Not for rapid potassium repletion. Dextrose content may cause hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Plastic container may leach DEHP; avoid in neonates or pregnant women if alternative exists. |
| Patient Advice | This solution is given through a vein to replace fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. · Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or high potassium levels. · Report any signs of infection at the IV site like redness, swelling, or pain. · Do not adjust the IV rate yourself; it is controlled by the healthcare team. · Inform your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. |
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