POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% 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 replaces intracellular potassium, maintaining cellular membrane potential and osmolality. Dextrose provides caloric energy and rises blood glucose. Sodium chloride restores extracellular fluid volume and tonicity.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys; minor gastrointestinal loss. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis to pyruvate, then enters the TCA cycle. Sodium chloride dissociates into ions and is renally regulated. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% as potassium, chloride, and glucose; lesser extent fecal/ biliary. Potassium and chloride are actively reabsorbed; glucose is completely reabsorbed (up to ~180 mg/dL) from glomerular filtrate. |
| Half-life | Potassium: ~12 h (non-steady-state); chloride: ~8-12 h; glucose: 1.5-2.5 h. Half-life prolonged with renal impairment or hyperkalemic states. |
| Protein binding | Potassium: negligible (<2%); chloride: minimal; glucose: negligible (<10% in normoglycemic states). No specific binding proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: ~0.5 L/kg (total body water); glucose: ~0.2 L/kg (extracellular fluid); chloride: ~0.3 L/kg. Vd increased in hypokalemic states. |
| Bioavailability | IV: 100% for all components. Oral not applicable; parenteral route only. |
| Onset of Action | IV infusion: hypo- or hyperkalemia correction begins within minutes; dextrose effect on blood glucose within ~15 min. |
| Duration of Action | IV: 1-2 h for potassium redistribution; dextrose effect persists up to 2 h post-infusion; chloride effect lasts as long as infusion continues. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion. The rate and volume depend on the patient's fluid and electrolyte needs. Typical adult dose: 1000 mL to 2000 mL per 24 hours, providing 30-60 mEq potassium, 154 mEq sodium, 100 g dextrose, and 154 mEq chloride daily. Infusion rate not to exceed 10 mEq/hour of potassium; maximum 20 mEq/hour with continuous cardiac monitoring.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min). For moderate impairment (GFR 30-50 mL/min), reduce potassium content; avoid use or use with extreme caution. Monitor serum potassium and renal function closely. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dose adjustment for hepatic impairment. Use with caution in severe hepatic disease due to potential fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor electrolytes and glucose. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based dosing: 0.15% potassium chloride in 10% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride. Typical rate: 2-4 mL/kg/hour, providing potassium at 0.03-0.06 mEq/kg/hour, dextrose at 0.2-0.4 g/kg/hour, and sodium at 0.18-0.36 mEq/kg/hour. Adjust based on serum electrolytes and glucose; do not exceed maximum potassium infusion rate of 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to age-related decline in renal function. Initiate at low end of dosing range; monitor renal function, serum potassium, and fluid status to avoid hyperkalemia, fluid overload, and glucose intolerance. Adjust rate based on comorbidities and concurrent medications. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are essential nutrients and electrolytes. No evidence of fetal harm in recommended doses. Use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as first trimester. Monitor maternal electrolyte and glucose levels to avoid imbalances. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe with caution. High doses of dextrose may cause maternal hyperglycemia and fetal hyperinsulinism. Potassium imbalances can affect fetal cardiac function. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | All components (potassium, chloride, glucose, sodium) freely cross the placenta via passive diffusion and active transport. Glucose transfer is facilitated; potassium and sodium are regulated. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are normal constituents of breast milk. Intravenous infusions are compatible with breastfeeding; however, monitor infant for electrolyte disturbances if mother receives large volumes. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride (KCl) is an essential electrolyte; no teratogenic risk is anticipated when administered at therapeutic doses. Dextrose at 10% and sodium chloride at 0.9% are also considered low risk. However, maternal electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia) may indirectly affect fetal development. No specific trimester-associated risks have been identified. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum potassium, sodium, glucose, and renal function regularly. Assess for signs of hyperkalemia (ECG changes, weakness) and hyperglycemia (in preterm infants or mothers with glucose intolerance). Fetal monitoring includes standard antenatal assessments; no specific fetal monitoring is required. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility at therapeutic doses. Electrolyte imbalances or hyperglycemia from excessive dextrose could theoretically impact reproductive function, but this is not observed with controlled administration. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium solutions (not this product) require dilution and careful administration to avoid fatal hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. This specific formulation is premixed and risk is lower but still monitor serum potassium.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaHypernatremiaHyperglycemia with ketoacidosis (unless corrected)Severe renal impairment with oliguriaAnuriaHyperchloremiaEdema with sodium retentionAcute intracranial hemorrhage (for dextrose-containing solutions)
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes; risk of hyperkalemia in renal impairment; risk of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus; fluid overload in heart failure or renal failure; do not administer if solution is cloudy or contains particulates. |
| Food/Dietary | No specific food interactions. Patients should avoid excessive potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes) if hyperkalemia risk, but this is typically managed by monitoring and dose adjustments. No restrictions on alcohol or grapefruit. |
| Clinical Pearls | This IV solution is used for maintenance or replacement of fluid, electrolytes, and calories. Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels, especially in patients with renal impairment or diabetes. Infuse via central line if concentration exceeds peripheral vein tolerance; peripheral administration may cause phlebitis. Rapid infusion can cause hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias. Use with caution in patients with heart failure or hypervolemia. |
| Patient Advice | Report any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site immediately. · Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney disease, diabetes, or heart problems. · This medication contains potassium; do not take additional potassium supplements without consulting your doctor. · Tell your doctor if you experience muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or tingling in your hands or feet. · If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels as this solution contains dextrose. |
Loading safety data…