POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% 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 for maintenance of electrolyte balance and cellular function; dextrose provides a source of calories and may stimulate insulin secretion, which facilitates intracellular potassium uptake; sodium chloride provides sodium ions for maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted renally; dextrose undergoes glycolysis and oxidative metabolism; sodium and chloride are excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Potassium is primarily excreted renally (90%) with minimal fecal loss; dextrose and sodium are fully metabolized or excreted renally. |
| Half-life | Potassium: no defined terminal half-life due to tight homeostatic regulation; dextrose: minutes (insulin-mediated clearance); sodium: regulated by renal excretion. |
| Protein binding | Potassium: negligible; dextrose: not bound; sodium: not bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: 0.4-0.6 L/kg (total body water); dextrose: 0.2-0.3 L/kg (extracellular fluid); sodium: 0.15-0.2 L/kg (extracellular fluid). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% for all components; oral: not applicable. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate for electrolyte correction; dextrose effect on blood glucose within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Potassium: depends on infusion rate and renal function; dextrose: 1-2 hours; sodium: sustained while infused. |
| Molecular Weight | Potassium chloride: 74.55 Da; Dextrose: 180.16 Da; Sodium chloride: 58.44 Da |
Adult: Intravenous infusion at a rate determined by fluid and electrolyte needs; typical dose for maintenance is 1-2 L/day providing approximately 20-40 mEq potassium, 34-68 g dextrose, and 4-8 g sodium chloride per day. Administration rate not to exceed 10 mEq/h of potassium.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | eGFR 30-50 mL/min: Monitor potassium closely, consider dose reduction or avoid if hyperkalemia risk. eGFR <30 mL/min: Contraindicated or use with extreme caution; reduce potassium content or use alternative. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: No adjustment. Child-Pugh B: Monitor electrolytes, consider dose reduction if ascites or fluid overload. Child-Pugh C: Use with caution due to risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances; adjust rate and volume as needed. |
| Pediatric use | Infants and children: Intravenous infusion based on weight. Potassium: 2-5 mEq/kg/day, dextrose: 5-10 mg/kg/min, sodium: 3-5 mEq/kg/day. Administer at a rate not exceeding 1 mEq/kg/h of potassium. |
| Geriatric use | Elderly: Initiate at lower end of dosing range due to decreased renal function; monitor renal function, serum potassium, and fluid status closely. Adjust potassium content if eGFR <60 mL/min. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium and sodium are essential electrolytes; use is generally safe when indicated, but monitor serum electrolyte levels closely. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe when used as directed for electrolyte replacement; dextrose may affect maternal glucose levels, monitor accordingly. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for maternal hydration and electrolyte balance; avoid excessive volumes due to risk of fluid overload. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium, sodium, and dextrose readily cross the placenta; considered safe at physiological concentrations. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium, sodium, and dextrose are normal constituents of breast milk. Administration of this solution does not pose a risk to the nursing infant. No special precautions needed. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 - Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride and dextrose solutions are not teratogenic when used at recommended doses. No fetal risks are documented for any trimester. Sodium chloride is physiological and safe. However, maternal electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia) may indirectly affect the fetus. No trimester-specific warnings exist. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, glucose) and renal function periodically during prolonged therapy. Observe for signs of fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance. Fetal monitoring is not specifically required unless maternal condition warrants. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility in males or females. Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are physiological substances with no reproductive toxicity at therapeutic doses. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Potassium chloride injection concentrate must be diluted before use; concentrated potassium solution can be fatal if given undiluted.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaHypernatremiaHyperglycemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguriaAnuriaAcute intracranial hemorrhage (if containing dextrose)Addison's disease (untreated)
| Precautions | Risk of hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment or potassium-sparing diuretics, Risk of volume overload or electrolyte disturbances, Solution may contain aluminum, which may be toxic with prolonged use in renal impairment, Use with caution in patients with cardiac disease or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and fluid balance during therapy |
| Food/Dietary | No specific food interactions with this IV solution. However, patients on potassium-sparing diuretics or with dietary potassium restriction should avoid high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes) if serum potassium is elevated. Diabetic patients should adjust carbohydrate intake to account for dextrose load. |
| Clinical Pearls | This combination solution provides potassium (1.5 mEq K+ per 100 mL), dextrose (10 g/100 mL), and sodium chloride (34 mEq Na+ and 34 mEq Cl- per 100 mL). It is used for maintenance fluid therapy in patients with mild hypokalemia or to prevent potassium depletion. Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and renal function. Adjust infusion rate based on fluid and electrolyte status. Not for patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal impairment, or anuria. The 10% dextrose may cause hyperglycemia; consider in patients with glucose intolerance. |
| Patient Advice | This fluid contains potassium, sugar, and salt to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. · Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, diabetes, or high potassium levels. · Report any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site. · You may experience increased thirst or urination; report palpitations or muscle weakness. · Do not stop the infusion without medical advice. |
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