POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 10MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No 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. |
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 | 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 and chloride are normal milk constituents; dextrose and sodium chloride do not accumulate. M/P ratio not established but expected to be similar to plasma. Use caution with high doses; theoretical risk of hyperkalemia in infant if maternal levels are high. Compatible with breastfeeding. |
| 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. |
■ 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 |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal failure with oliguria or anuria","Adrenal insufficiency","Concurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics","Acute dehydration","Heat cramps","Patients with hypersensitivity to any component"]
| 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"] |
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| 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. |