POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN DEXTROSE 10% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium ions, essential for maintaining cellular membrane potential, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. Dextrose provides a source of glucose for cellular metabolism, and sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions for electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is excreted primarily by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and cellular respiration. Sodium and chloride are excreted primarily via urine. |
| Excretion | Potassium: primarily renal (90% excreted in urine); sodium: renal (90-95%); chloride: renal; dextrose: metabolized to CO2 and water. Less than 1% fecal elimination. |
| Half-life | Potassium (plasma): ~1-1.5 hours; total body potassium half-life ~10-12 hours. Clinically, steady state reached in 2-3 days with continuous infusion. |
| Protein binding | Potassium: negligible (<2%); sodium: negligible; chloride: negligible; dextrose: not bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: ~0.5 L/kg (total body water); sodium: ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular fluid); dextrose: ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular). Clinical meaning: potassium distributes into all body water; sodium and dextrose primarily extracellular. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (complete bioavailability). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: onset of serum potassium elevation within minutes; full repletion effect may take hours depending on deficit. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: effect on serum potassium lasts 2-4 hours after infusion; cellular repletion continues for 24-48 hours. |
| Molecular Weight | Potassium chloride: 74.55 Da; Dextrose: 180.16 Da; Sodium chloride: 58.44 Da |
Intravenous infusion. Dose based on individual electrolyte and fluid requirements, typically 500-1000 mL/hour for correction of hypokalemia; maximum infusion rate: 10 mEq potassium per hour via peripheral line, 20 mEq/hour via central line. Potassium concentration should not exceed 40 mEq/L peripherally or 80 mEq/L centrally.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR <20 mL/min: Use with caution, reduce dose by 50% and monitor serum potassium closely; avoid if severe oliguria or anuria. GFR 20-50 mL/min: Reduce dose by 25-50% and monitor potassium levels. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment for Child-Pugh class. Use standard dosing with careful monitoring of serum potassium and acid-base status due to increased risk of hyperkalemia in hepatic impairment. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based: 10% dextrose/0.45% saline with 4 mEq/L KCl at 2-6 mL/kg/hour for maintenance; for hypokalemia, 0.2-0.4 mEq potassium per kg per hour up to 1 mEq/kg per day. Maximum infusion rate: 0.5 mEq/kg/hour via peripheral; 1 mEq/kg/hour via central. Monitor serum potassium. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower end of dosing range; infuse at minimum rate (e.g., 20-30 mL/hour) due to higher risk of fluid overload and hyperkalemia. Monitor renal function and electrolytes frequently. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium, dextrose, and sodium chloride are essential nutrients. No known teratogenicity at physiological doses. Use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Monitor electrolyte balance and glucose levels. No known fetal harm. Use if clinically indicated. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for maternal hydration and electrolyte replacement. Monitor for fluid overload and glucose intolerance. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium and sodium cross the placenta by active transport; glucose crosses via facilitated diffusion. No fetal accumulation at therapeutic doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium, dextrose, and sodium chloride are normal milk constituents. No adverse effects expected. Compatible with breastfeeding. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride does not cross the placenta in significant amounts except when maternal serum levels are extremely high, and isolated potassium administration is not teratogenic. Dextrose and sodium chloride are benign in standard IV fluids. No increased risk of structural anomalies in any trimester. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium), glucose, renal function, and fluid balance. Fetal monitoring via heart rate and uterine activity if indicated for maternal condition, not specifically due to this infusion. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effect on fertility. Potassium, dextrose, and sodium chloride are essential nutrients and components of IV therapy; therapeutic use does not impair reproductive function. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium solutions must be diluted before use. Rapid infusion may cause fatal hyperkalemia. Do not administer unless solution is clear and container intact.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaHypersensitivity to any componentConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors unless monitored
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolyte levels frequently, Use caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, Avoid in patients with hyperkalemia or severe metabolic acidosis, Extravasation may cause tissue necrosis |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, avocados, beans) and salt substitutes containing potassium chloride, as they may increase risk of hyperkalemia. |
| Clinical Pearls | Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels closely; avoid in patients with hyperkalemia or severe renal impairment. Use with caution in heart failure or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Incompatible with mannitol in solution. |
| Patient Advice | This solution is for intravenous use only under medical supervision. · Promptly report chest pain, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat. · Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or are taking potassium-sparing diuretics. · Do not consume potassium-rich foods or supplements unless advised by your healthcare provider. |
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