POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 10MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride replenishes intracellular potassium, essential for maintaining membrane potential and neuromuscular function. Dextrose provides a carbohydrate source to prevent hypoglycemia. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance and electrolyte homeostasis.
| Metabolism | Potassium is not metabolized; it is excreted primarily by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Sodium and chloride are excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% as potassium ions. Fecal: <10% via unabsorbed potassium. |
| Half-life | Not applicable; potassium is not eliminated by first-order kinetics. Serum potassium half-life is approximately 30 minutes due to rapid distribution and renal excretion, but depends on renal function and total body stores. |
| Protein binding | Minimal; essentially none. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.5-0.6 L/kg (total body water); distributes primarily in extracellular fluid (2% in plasma, 98% in interstitial fluid). |
| Bioavailability | Oral: ~90% (well absorbed). Intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate (within seconds) upon infusion; oral: 30-60 minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: effect lasts only during infusion and shortly after (minutes to hours depending on dose and redistribution); correction of hypokalemia is temporary if underlying deficit not replaced. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion. The rate of administration and total volume depend on the patient's fluid and electrolyte needs. Typically, the dose is 10 mEq of potassium chloride per liter of fluid, infused at a rate not exceeding 10 mEq/hour (or 20 mEq/hour in severe hypokalemia) via central line. Maximum daily dose: 200 mEq.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/min) with oliguria or anuria. For GFR 30-50 mL/min, start with 50% of the usual dose and monitor potassium levels frequently. |
| Liver impairment | No dosage adjustment required for hepatic impairment; however, monitor electrolytes and fluid status as ascites or edema may be present. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion. Dose depends on age and weight. Typical maintenance: 1-2 mEq/kg/day. For hypokalemia: 0.2-0.3 mEq/kg per hour, not to exceed 20 mEq in 24 hours. Adjust based on serum potassium levels. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to age-related decline in renal function. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Monitor potassium levels frequently. Rate of administration should not exceed 10 mEq/hour. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride is generally considered safe in pregnancy when used at recommended doses. However, caution is advised as electrolyte imbalances may affect fetal development. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe with monitoring. Potassium supplementation may be necessary for maternal hypokalemia; avoid excessive doses to prevent hyperkalemia. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe with monitoring. Potassium chloride in dextrose/NaCl solutions is commonly used during labor and delivery; risk of fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances should be considered. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium freely crosses the placenta; fetal serum potassium levels are similar to maternal levels. Transfer is regulated by placental ion pumps. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium is a normal constituent of breast milk and supplementation is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Potassium chloride excretion into milk is minimal and not expected to cause adverse effects in the infant. Monitor maternal electrolyte levels and avoid excessive doses. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | No teratogenic effects reported. Pregnancy category C. Potassium chloride and dextrose/electrolytes are physiologic components; risk is minimal with appropriate use. Electrolyte disturbances (hyperkalemia, hypokalemia) may cause fetal arrhythmias or metabolic acidosis if severe. First trimester: no known structural defects. Second/third trimester: avoid hyperkalemia; monitor for fetal distress if maternal electrolyte imbalance. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum potassium, glucose, sodium, chloride, and renal function. Fetal heart rate monitoring if signs of electrolyte imbalance. Avoid rapid infusion. Assess for signs of fluid overload or hyperkalemia (ECG changes). |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Electrolyte disturbances may impact ovulation if severe (e.g., hypokalemia). Normal doses do not impair reproductive function. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Potassium chloride concentrate must be diluted before use. Direct injection of undiluted potassium chloride can cause cardiac arrest and sudden death. Use only if clearly indicated and with continuous cardiac monitoring.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal failure with oliguria or anuriaAddison's diseaseConcomitant use with potassium-sparing diureticsAcute dehydrationHyperchloremia
| Precautions | Administer slowly to avoid hyperkalemia; monitor serum potassium and electrocardiogram, Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, Avoid in patients with metabolic alkalosis, severe burns, or crush injuries due to risk of hyperkalemia, May cause phlebitis at infusion site |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, avocados, dried fruits, salt substitutes containing potassium) while receiving this therapy, as it may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. |
| Clinical Pearls | Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels closely, especially in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, or those on potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors. Use caution when infusing peripherally; consider central line for concentrations >40 mEq/L. Do not administer undiluted. Check for compatibility with other IV medications. Invert bag and inspect for particulate matter before use. Do not remove overwrap until ready to use. |
| Patient Advice | This medication contains potassium and will be given intravenously to correct or prevent low potassium levels. · Report any symptoms of too much potassium, such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or tingling in hands/feet. · Inform your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, diabetes, or are on any other medications, especially heart or blood pressure medicines. · This solution also contains dextrose (sugar) and sodium; if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, your healthcare provider will monitor you closely. · Do not adjust the infusion rate yourself; notify nursing staff if the IV site becomes painful, red, or swollen. |
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