POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.2% 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; dextrose provides caloric support; sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions for fluid and electrolyte replacement.
| Metabolism | Potassium is not metabolized; dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and citric acid cycle; sodium and chloride are not metabolized. |
| Excretion | Potassium: primarily renal (>90% excreted by kidneys), with small amounts lost in feces and sweat. Dextrose: metabolized to CO2 and water, minimal renal excretion. Sodium: primarily renal excretion (90-95%), with minor losses in feces and sweat. Chloride: primarily renal excretion (95%). |
| Half-life | Potassium: terminal half-life is approximately 4-6 hours under normal renal function; prolonged in renal impairment. Dextrose: not applicable as it is rapidly metabolized. Sodium: half-life approximately 4-6 hours, dependent on renal function. |
| Protein binding | Potassium: negligible (<1% bound). Dextrose: not bound. Sodium: negligible. Chloride: negligible. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: Vd approximately 0.5-0.6 L/kg, reflecting distribution primarily in extracellular fluid and cellular uptake. Dextrose: Vd equivalent to total body water (~0.6 L/kg). Sodium: Vd approximately 0.5-0.6 L/kg (extracellular fluid). |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% bioavailability. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: correction of hypokalemia begins within minutes; dextrose and sodium effects are immediate. Oral: not applicable as this formulation is for IV use. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: potassium effect lasts 4-6 hours post-infusion; dextrose effect is short-lived (30-60 minutes) due to rapid metabolism; sodium effect lasts several hours depending on renal function. |
Intravenous infusion; adult dose is 1000 mL to 2000 mL per day, providing 20-40 mEq potassium, 50-100 g dextrose, and 77-154 mEq sodium, administered at a rate of 125-200 mL/hour based on clinical status and serum potassium.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | For GFR 30-50 mL/min: administer with caution and monitor serum potassium, reduce infusion rate by 25-50%. For GFR 15-29 mL/min: reduce dose by 50-75% and monitor closely. For GFR <15 mL/min: avoid use or use only if absolutely necessary with extreme caution and frequent monitoring. |
| Liver impairment | For Child-Pugh A: no adjustment necessary. For Child-Pugh B: reduce infusion rate by 50% and monitor serum potassium. For Child-Pugh C: avoid use due to risk of hyperkalemia and volume overload. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion; dose based on weight: 2-4 mEq/kg/day of potassium, 5-10 mg/kg/min of dextrose, and 2-4 mEq/kg/day of sodium. Typical infusion rate: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/hour of potassium. Adjust based on serum electrolytes and glucose. |
| Geriatric use | Start at the lower end of the adult dosing range (1000 mL per day) and titrate slowly. Monitor serum potassium, renal function, and fluid status closely due to increased risk of hyperkalemia and volume overload. |
| 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, sodium, chloride, and dextrose are normal constituents of breast milk. IV infusion of these electrolytes at typical replacement doses does not result in concentrations significantly exceeding normal milk levels. The M/P ratio is not established; however, no adverse effects on breastfed infants are expected. Use with caution in lactating women, but generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Must be diluted before use; concentrated potassium solutions can cause fatal cardiac arrest if administered rapidly or in undiluted form.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Hyperkalemia, severe renal failure (with oliguria or anuria), untreated Addison's disease, adynamia episodica hereditaria, acute dehydration, heat cramps, or concurrent use with potassium-sparing diuretics.
| Precautions | Use caution in patients with severe renal impairment, heart disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium and ECG during infusion. Avoid rapid infusion to prevent hyperkalemia. |
Loading safety data…
| Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride in these concentrations are not teratogenic. There is no evidence of fetal harm from electrolyte and glucose solutions administered IV at recommended doses. Dextrose may cause maternal hyperglycemia if infused rapidly, which can lead to fetal hyperinsulinemia and neonatal hypoglycemia, but this is not a direct teratogenic effect. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride), glucose, renal function, fluid balance, and urine output. Monitor fetal heart rate and uterine contractions if used during labor. Assess for signs of fluid overload (edema, pulmonary congestion) and hyperglycemia. |
| Fertility Effects | No known direct effects on fertility. Electrolyte imbalances and underlying conditions requiring this solution may impact reproductive function, but the solution itself does not impair fertility. |