POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.075% IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium ions for cellular electrolyte balance, essential for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and acid-base homeostasis. Dextrose acts as a caloric source, and sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions for fluid and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis to carbon dioxide and water, providing energy. Sodium and chloride are excreted mainly via kidneys. |
| Excretion | Potassium is primarily excreted renally (approximately 90%), with about 10% eliminated via feces. Under normal conditions, the kidneys excrete 40-120 mEq/day of potassium, with excretion closely matched to intake. Biliary excretion is negligible. |
| Half-life | The terminal elimination half-life of potassium is not well-defined as a single value due to rapid distribution kinetics. However, whole-body turnover half-life is approximately 12-24 hours. Clinically, redistribution half-life from plasma to cells is about 1-2 hours, while total body elimination depends on renal function. |
| Protein binding | Potassium is not significantly bound to plasma proteins; protein binding is approximately 0%. It exists as free ions. |
| Volume of Distribution | Volume of distribution for potassium is 0.5-0.7 L/kg (average 0.6 L/kg), reflecting total body water. Clinical meaning: Potassium distributes mainly in the intracellular space (98% of total body potassium) with only 2% in extracellular fluid; thus, changes in serum levels poorly reflect total body stores. The Vd is used to calculate loading doses for replacement therapy. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: Potassium chloride is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with an oral bioavailability of approximately 90-100%. Intravenous: 100% bioavailability. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous administration: Onset of action is immediate (within seconds to minutes) as potassium directly affects myocardial membrane potential. Oral administration: Onset of action for correction of hypokalemia is typically 1-2 hours, but full effect may require days of therapy. |
| Duration of Action | Continuous intravenous infusion: Effect persists only during infusion and for a short time after cessation (minutes to hours) due to rapid redistribution and renal excretion. Oral: The effect on serum potassium lasts for the dosing interval (e.g., 6-24 hours depending on formulation). Clinical note: Potassium is not suitable for acute replacement via peripheral IV due to risk of hyperkalemia; infusion rates are typically limited to 10-20 mEq/hour. |
| Molecular Weight | Potassium chloride: 74.55 Da; Dextrose: 180.16 Da; Sodium chloride: 58.44 Da |
Intravenous infusion. Dose determined by electrolyte needs; typical maintenance: 1000-2000 mL/day (providing 20-40 mEq potassium, 50-100 g dextrose, and 77-154 mEq sodium). Rate not to exceed 10 mEq/hour potassium.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min) unless carefully monitored. For GFR 30-50 mL/min: reduce dose by 50% and monitor potassium levels. For GFR >50 mL/min: no adjustment typically needed. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment for Child-Pugh class A or B. For Class C (severe hepatic impairment): use with caution due to risk of electrolyte disturbances; monitor potassium and glucose levels. |
| Pediatric use | Dose based on weight and electrolyte requirements. Typical starting infusion: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/day potassium (as part of fluid). Rate not to exceed 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Monitor serum potassium and glucose. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower end of dosing range due to potential renal function decline. Monitor renal function, serum potassium, and glucose closely. Avoid rapid infusion; maximum rate 10 mEq/hour potassium. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are essential electrolytes and nutrients. At these concentrations, no significant fetal risk is expected in normal dosing. Use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe for maternal and fetal homeostasis at recommended doses. Monitor electrolytes and fluid balance. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for use during labor and delivery to maintain electrolyte and glucose balance. May affect neonatal electrolytes if maternal levels are abnormal. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium and chloride ions readily cross the placenta via active transport and diffusion. Dextrose and sodium also cross. At physiological levels, minimal fetal risk. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium, chloride, dextrose, and sodium are normal components of breast milk. At these concentrations, no adverse effects expected in breastfed infants. Monitor maternal electrolytes if given long-term. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride is a physiologic ion. No teratogenic effects have been associated with potassium chloride administration at recommended doses. However, hyperkalemia or hypokalemia may adversely affect fetal development. First trimester: no specific risk; second and third trimesters: risk only if maternal electrolyte disturbances occur. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes regularly. Assess maternal renal function. Monitor fetal heart rate and uterine activity if intravenous infusion is given during labor. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. Electrolyte disturbances may impair reproductive function, but potassium chloride supplementation does not directly affect fertility. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium chloride solutions (e.g., >0.1% KCl) must be diluted before administration to avoid fatal hyperkalemia. This product contains 0.075% KCl and is not concentrated, but caution is still required.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaHypernatremiaHyperglycemiaAnuriaSevere renal impairmentPatients with known hypersensitivity to any component
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium levels to avoid hyperkalemia; use with caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Administer via compatible intravenous line; do not add medications to the plastic container. Check for air embolism risk. |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive dietary potassium (e.g., bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, salt substitutes) during treatment to prevent hyperkalemia. No other significant food interactions. |
| Clinical Pearls | This solution provides 10 mEq/L potassium, 5% dextrose, and 0.11% sodium chloride (19 mEq/L Na). Use for maintenance or replacement when mild potassium deficits coexist with carbohydrate and sodium needs. Avoid rapid infusion; rate should not exceed 10-20 mEq/h potassium. Contraindicated in severe renal impairment, hyperkalemia, or Addison's disease. Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and renal function. |
| Patient Advice | This infusion contains potassium, dextrose (sugar), and salt. · Report any chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat immediately. · May cause discomfort at IV site; notify nurse if redness or swelling occurs. · Avoid additional potassium supplements (foods like bananas, orange juice) unless advised. · Do not stop or adjust the infusion rate. |
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