POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium ions necessary for maintenance of cellular membrane potential, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction. Dextrose is a monosaccharide that serves as a caloric source and helps prevent ketosis. Sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions to maintain extracellular fluid volume and osmolality.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys; dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle; sodium and chloride are excreted renally without metabolism. |
| Excretion | Potassium is primarily excreted renally (90-95%) via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion; fecal (5-10%) and minor sweat loss. Dextrose and sodium are metabolized or excreted renally based on homeostasis. |
| Half-life | Potassium: Not applicable as distribution/elimination is homeostatic; serum half-life ~1-1.5h for IV bolus, but clinically irrelevant. Dextrose: <15 min. Sodium: homeostatic. |
| Protein binding | Potassium: ~0% bound; Dextrose: ~0% bound; Sodium: ~0% bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Potassium: 0.5–1.0 L/kg (total body water distribution, reflecting intracellular uptake); Dextrose: ~0.2 L/kg; Sodium: ~0.6 L/kg. |
| Bioavailability | IV administration: 100% bioavailable. Not administered orally in this formulation. |
| Onset of Action | IV infusion: Immediate for potassium repletion; dextrose and sodium onset within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | IV infusion: Duration of potassium effect depends on rate and total dose; typically lasts hours after infusion stops. Dextrose effect persists during infusion; sodium depends on balance. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 100-200 mL/hour (providing 5-10 mEq potassium per hour) based on serum potassium deficit, renal function, and clinical status.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | If GFR < 30 mL/min: reduce infusion rate by 50% and monitor serum potassium closely. Avoid use if GFR < 10 mL/min or oliguria. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment recommended; monitor serum potassium closely due to potential electrolyte disturbances. |
| Pediatric use | 0.1-0.2 mEq/kg/hour as continuous IV infusion, not to exceed 1 mEq/kg total in 24 hours; adjust based on serum potassium and clinical response. |
| Geriatric use | Use lower initial infusion rates (e.g., 50-100 mL/hour) due to age-related decline in renal function; monitor serum potassium and renal function frequently. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride is essential for cellular function; use only if clearly needed. No known teratogenicity at therapeutic doses. Monitor serum potassium levels to avoid hyperkalemia. |
| 2nd trimester | Use with caution; maternal hyperkalemia may affect fetal cardiac function. Adjust infusion rates based on serum potassium. |
| 3rd trimester | May use for treatment of hypokalemia; avoid excessive potassium as it may cause fetal bradycardia or arrhythmias. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses the placenta via active transport and diffusion; fetal serum potassium is regulated within a narrow range. Clinically significant transfer occurs only with maternal hypo- or hyperkalemia. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium is a normal constituent of breast milk and is not contraindicated. Maternal potassium supplementation does not significantly alter milk levels. However, monitor maternal serum potassium to avoid hyperkalemia. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER is an intravenous electrolyte and nutrient solution. Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are physiological substances; no teratogenic effects are reported at therapeutic doses. However, maternal electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia) may adversely affect the fetus. First trimester: No known malformation risk. Second/third trimester: Fetal monitoring for electrolyte disturbances and glucose levels indicated. Use only if clearly needed. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Maternal: Serum potassium, sodium, glucose, and renal function (BUN, creatinine) at baseline and periodically during infusion. Monitor for signs of hyperkalemia (ECG changes, muscle weakness), hypernatremia, or hyperglycemia. Fetal: Heart rate monitoring if maternal electrolyte or glucose abnormalities develop. Contraction stress test or biophysical profile as indicated for maternal diabetes or preeclampsia risk. |
| Fertility Effects | No known direct effects on fertility from potassium chloride, dextrose, or sodium chloride at therapeutic doses. Underlying conditions requiring these infusions (e.g., dehydration, electrolyte imbalances) may impair fertility if untreated. No specific studies on reproductive impact; consider overall maternal health. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaAddison's diseaseConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics without monitoringAcute dehydration
| Precautions | Risk of hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment, or with rapid infusion, Risk of fluid and/or solute overload, especially in patients with cardiac or renal impairment, Risk of phlebitis or infection at infusion site, Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes during therapy, Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach) if additional potassium supplementation is not intended. Dextrose content may affect blood glucose; diabetic patients should manage carbohydrate intake. No specific food restrictions otherwise. |
| Clinical Pearls | Contains 0.3% KCl (4 mEq/L K+), 5% dextrose (50 g/L), and 0.45% NaCl (77 mEq/L Na+). Provides 170 kcal/L. Use for maintenance or replacement in patients with mild hypokalemia, but not for severe deficits due to low K+ concentration. Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels. Avoid in patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal impairment, or uncontrolled diabetes. Check for compatibility with concurrent IV medications. |
| Patient Advice | This solution is given through a vein to provide fluids, sugar, and electrolytes. · Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, diabetes, or high potassium levels. · Report any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site. · Do not drink alcohol while receiving this treatment unless approved by your doctor. · Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially potassium supplements or diuretics. |
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