POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN DEXTROSE 10% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium ions, which are essential for maintaining intracellular osmolarity, nerve impulse transmission, cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction, and acid-base balance. Dextrose provides glucose for cellular metabolism, and sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions for extracellular fluid volume and osmolality maintenance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted by the kidneys (90%), with minor losses in feces and sweat. Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water, yielding energy. Sodium and chloride are primarily excreted by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% of potassium, chloride, and sodium ions are excreted via kidneys; glucose is fully metabolized or excreted renally if exceeds renal threshold (typically <1% unchanged). |
| Half-life | Potassium: Not applicable; dextrose: 1-2 h (terminal phase); sodium and chloride: not applicable due to homeostatic regulation. |
| Protein binding | Potassium, sodium, chloride: negligible (<5%); dextrose: not protein-bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: 0.5–0.6 L/kg (total body water); dextrose: distributes into total body water (0.6 L/kg); sodium and chloride: distributes into extracellular fluid (0.2 L/kg). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediate (within minutes) for electrolyte and fluid effects. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Duration depends on infusion rate and patient status; for electrolyte correction, effects persist while infusion continues and until renal excretion eliminates excess. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion. Rate determined by clinical condition; typical adult maintenance: 100-200 mL/hour, not to exceed 300 mL/hour. Each liter provides potassium 1.5 g (20 mEq), dextrose 100 g, and sodium chloride 9 g (154 mEq Na+).
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 30-59 mL/min: use cautiously; monitor potassium. GFR 15-29 mL/min: reduce dose by 50% and monitor potassium closely. GFR <15 mL/min: contraindicated unless potassium deficit documented. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment. Child-Pugh B/C: monitor potassium and glucose; adjust rate based on volume status and electrolyte balance. |
| Pediatric use | Infants and children: 0.5-1 mL/kg/hour, max 100 mL/hour. Adjust rate based on weight and clinical need; do not exceed 0.5 mEq/kg/hour of potassium. |
| Geriatric use | Elderly: lower initial rate (50-100 mL/hour) due to decreased renal function and higher risk of fluid overload; monitor electrolytes and renal function. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium, dextrose, and sodium chloride are physiological components; no teratogenic risk. Use only if clearly needed and under monitoring. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe when used for electrolyte and fluid replacement. Monitor serum potassium and glucose. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe with monitoring. Avoid in preeclampsia with hyperkalemia or fluid overload. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | All components cross the placenta. Potassium and chloride are actively transported; dextrose crosses by facilitated diffusion. |
| Breastfeeding | Excreted in breast milk but at levels not expected to cause adverse effects in infants. Compatible with breastfeeding when used therapeutically. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Compatible) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are not teratogenic. No fetal risk is expected from use of this solution at therapeutic doses. Note: Dextrose at high concentrations may cause maternal hyperglycemia, which could theoretically affect fetal development if uncontrolled. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, glucose), fluid balance, and renal function. Monitor fetal heart rate and uterine activity if indicated by maternal condition. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effect on fertility. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Intravenous potassium chloride administration may be fatal if given undiluted or in concentrated form. Must be diluted in an appropriate solution and administered slowly. Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is intact.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguriaHyperglycemia with ketoacidosis not being treatedFluid overload states (e.g., hypervolemia, pulmonary edema)
| Precautions | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, heart disease, or hyperkalemia, Monitor serum potassium, sodium, glucose, and fluid balance during prolonged therapy, Avoid rapid infusion to prevent hyperkalemia, cardiac arrest, or phlebitis, Do not use in patients with intracranial or intraspinal hemorrhages, or with circulatory overload, Inspect for particulate matter or discoloration before administration |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions. However, dietary potassium intake should be considered when monitoring total potassium balance. Avoid excessive dietary potassium if renal function is compromised. |
| Clinical Pearls | This combination solution provides potassium supplementation, free water (via dextrose metabolism), and isotonic sodium chloride. Dextrose 10% is hypertonic (555 mOsm/L) and must be administered via central line to avoid phlebitis. Monitor serum potassium closely, especially in renal impairment. Use with caution in patients with heart failure or hyperkalemia. Do not administer if solution is discolored or contains particulate matter. |
| Patient Advice | This intravenous solution is used to replenish fluids, electrolytes, and energy (calories). · Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood potassium levels regularly during treatment. · Report any symptoms like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or tingling sensations. · Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially diuretics or ACE inhibitors. · Do not stop or adjust the infusion rate on your own. |
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