POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN DEXTROSE 10% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No 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. |
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 | 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 | Potassium, chloride, dextrose, and sodium are normal constituents of breast milk and are not contraindicated during lactation. No specific M/P ratio is available; however, intravenous infusion of potassium chloride in usual doses does not significantly alter milk composition. The drug is considered compatible with breastfeeding. |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ 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 |
["Hyperkalemia","Renal failure with oliguria or anuria","Concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors (relative)","Hypersensitivity to any component","Conditions associated with potassium retention (e.g., severe burns, trauma, metabolic acidosis)"]
| 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"] |
Loading safety data…
| 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. |