POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN DEXTROSE 10% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No 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. |
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 | 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 chloride and sodium chloride are normal constituents of breast milk. Dextrose is metabolized to glucose, which is regulated endogenously. Exogenous administration does not significantly increase milk levels. The M/P ratio is not applicable as these are endogenous substances. This solution is considered compatible with breastfeeding. |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ 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 |
Absolute: Hyperkalemia; hyperglycemia; hypernatremia; severe renal impairment with oliguria; anuria; patients with increased potassium sensitivity (e.g., Addison's disease). Relative: cardiac disease; concurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics.
| 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. |
Loading safety data…
| 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. |