POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% 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 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. |
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 | 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 is a normal constituent of breast milk. Intravenous or oral potassium chloride administration does not significantly increase milk levels beyond normal physiological ranges. M/P ratio is approximately 1.0. Use is considered compatible with breastfeeding. |
| 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. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal impairment or oliguria","Acute dehydration or heat cramps","Concurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics","Acidosis","Hypersensitivity to any component"]
| 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"] |
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| 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. |