POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN 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 for maintenance of electrolyte balance and normal cellular function. Sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions to maintain extracellular fluid volume and osmolarity.
| Metabolism | Not metabolized; excreted primarily by the kidneys as potassium and chloride ions |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (>90%) as potassium ions; negligible biliary/fecal elimination under normal conditions. |
| Half-life | Not applicable; potassium is a physiologic ion with rapid equilibration; serum levels reflect total body stores and renal function; in anephric patients, half-life extends to 30-50 hours. |
| Protein binding | Minimal (<5%); does not significantly bind to plasma proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.4 L/kg (total body water); potassium distributes primarily in the intracellular space (98%) with only 2% in extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: 100% (potassium chloride is fully absorbed); intravenous: 100% (direct administration). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate (within minutes) as potassium enters extracellular fluid; onset of effect on serum potassium occurs within 5-10 minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: duration of effect on serum potassium is dependent on ongoing distribution and elimination; continuous infusion required for sustained effect; redistribution into cells occurs over 15-30 minutes. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion. The typical adult dose is 20-40 mEq of potassium per day, administered as an infusion rate not exceeding 10 mEq/hour or 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Concentration is 0.11% KCl (1.46 mEq/L) provided in 0.9% NaCl.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 30-60 mL/min: reduce potassium dose by 25-50% and monitor serum potassium. GFR <30 mL/min: avoid use unless severe hypokalemia and close monitoring; typically contraindicated for maintenance therapy. |
| Liver impairment | No specific Child-Pugh based adjustments; however, patients with cirrhosis may have altered potassium homeostasis. Monitor serum potassium closely especially in ascites or diuretic use. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based: 0.2-0.5 mEq/kg/dose as a continuous infusion, not to exceed 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Maximum daily dose: 2 mEq/kg/day. Concentration should be diluted appropriately; typical product concentration is 0.11% (1.46 mEq/L) in 0.9% NaCl. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower end of adult dosing (20-30 mEq/day) due to age-related renal impairment. Infusion rate not to exceed 5-10 mEq/hour. Monitor renal function and serum potassium frequently. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride and sodium chloride are essential electrolytes; no teratogenic risk at physiological doses. Use only if clearly needed to correct deficiency. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe when used to maintain electrolyte balance. Monitor serum levels to avoid hyperkalemia or fluid overload. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for maternal electrolyte repletion. Avoid excess due to risk of fetal electrolyte disturbances. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium and chloride cross the placenta freely via passive diffusion and active transport to maintain fetal homeostasis. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium and chloride are normal constituents of breast milk. Administration of this solution does not pose a risk to the infant. Monitor maternal serum electrolytes. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride is an essential electrolyte. There is no evidence of teratogenicity at physiological doses. In overdose, fetal hyperkalemia and arrhythmias may occur. First trimester: No known teratogenic risk. Second and third trimesters: No known teratogenic risk; however, maternal hyperkalemia can cause fetal bradycardia and arrhythmias. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum potassium levels, renal function, ECG for cardiac arrhythmias, and fetal heart rate if maternal hyperkalemia is suspected. Avoid rapid infusion; monitor for signs of hyperkalemia (paresthesias, weakness, arrhythmias). |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. Hyperkalemia may impair reproductive function indirectly through systemic effects. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaHypernatremia (for sodium chloride component)Fluid overload states (e.g., heart failure, pulmonary edema)
| Precautions | Monitor serum electrolytes, renal function, and acid-base balance, Risk of hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment, Risk of fluid overload in patients with cardiac or renal disease, Solutions containing aluminum should not be used in patients with impaired renal function, Potassium administration may cause cardiac arrhythmias; use with caution in patients on digitalis |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, salt substitutes) while receiving this infusion, as it may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. No specific food restrictions otherwise, but maintain normal dietary patterns as tolerated. |
| Clinical Pearls | Potassium chloride 0.11% in sodium chloride 0.9% (KCl 0.11% / NS) provides approximately 14.9 mEq/L of potassium and 154 mEq/L of sodium. It is used for maintenance hydration and correction of mild hypokalemia. Infuse via central line only if concentration >0.2% KCl; this concentration is typically safe for peripheral administration. Monitor serum potassium and renal function; contraindicated in severe renal impairment, hyperkalemia, or adrenal insufficiency. Rate of administration should not exceed 10-20 mEq/hour in non-emergency settings. |
| Patient Advice | This intravenous solution contains potassium and salt to help maintain your body's fluid and electrolyte balance. · Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or are on any medications that affect potassium levels. · Report any signs of hyperkalemia such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or tingling sensations. · Do not stop or adjust the infusion rate yourself; it is given under close medical supervision. · Inform your doctor about all medications you take, especially potassium supplements, diuretics, or ACE inhibitors. |
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