POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 20MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium ions for maintaining intracellular osmolarity, acid-base balance, and cellular metabolism. Dextrose 5% supplies calories and water for hydration. Sodium chloride 0.3% supplies sodium and chloride ions for extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. Sodium and chloride are not metabolized but are excreted renally and via sweat. |
| Excretion | Renal excretion >90% as potassium ion; minimal biliary/fecal (<5%). |
| Half-life | Terminal half-life approximately 1-2 hours for plasma potassium; clinical effect persistence depends on total body potassium deficit. |
| Protein binding | 0% (potassium is not protein-bound). |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.5-0.7 L/kg; potassium is predominantly intracellular, with <2% in extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%; oral: approximately 90-100% (not applicable to this IV formulation). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate (within seconds to minutes) for serum potassium elevation; clinical effect on cardiac conduction within minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: effects last 30-60 minutes after infusion; depends on infusion rate and underlying potassium deficiency. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
10-40 mEq potassium chloride intravenously, rate not exceeding 10 mEq/hour or 200 mEq/24 hours, based on serum potassium levels.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR > 50 mL/min: no adjustment; GFR 10-50 mL/min: reduce dose by 25-50%; GFR < 10 mL/min: avoid or reduce dose by 50-75% with close monitoring. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B: reduce dose by 25%; Child-Pugh C: reduce dose by 50% and monitor potassium levels. |
| Pediatric use | 0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose intravenously, maximum rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hour, maximum concentration 40 mEq/L, with caution. |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at lower end of dosing range (10-20 mEq), maximum infusion rate 5-10 mEq/hour, monitor renal function and serum potassium closely. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride in dextrose/saline is used for electrolyte replacement. No fetal harm reported in animal studies; use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as T1: indicated for maternal electrolyte imbalance; no teratogenic risk identified. |
| 3rd trimester | Use cautiously near term due to risk of maternal hyperkalemia affecting fetal heart rate; monitor potassium levels. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses placenta via active transport; concentrations in fetal serum are regulated. Dextrose crosses freely; sodium and chloride cross via active transport. Maternal hyperkalemia can affect fetal ECG. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium and chloride are normal milk constituents; dextrose and saline are safe. Potassium supplementation does not significantly alter milk levels. Use caution in renal impairment or if infant has hyperkalemia risk. |
| Lactation Rating | L1: Safest |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride is a normal constituent of body fluids and is not teratogenic at physiological doses. No fetal risks have been associated with intravenous potassium administration when used appropriately for correction of hypokalemia. Excessive potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can cause maternal cardiac arrhythmias, which may secondarily affect fetal oxygenation, but direct teratogenicity is not documented. Use during any trimester is considered safe if indicated, provided maternal serum potassium is monitored to maintain normal levels. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum potassium levels frequently to avoid hypokalemia or hyperkalemia. Assess renal function (serum creatinine, urine output). During pregnancy, fetal heart rate monitoring may be considered if high doses are administered or if maternal electrolyte disturbances occur. Continuous ECG monitoring is recommended during intravenous infusion to detect cardiac effects of potassium imbalance. |
| Fertility Effects | Potassium chloride does not adversely affect fertility. Hypokalemia, if present, may impair reproductive function, but potassium replacement restores normal physiology. No direct effects on gametes or reproductive organs are known. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Potassium chloride injection must be diluted and administered slowly via infusion to avoid fatal hyperkalemia. Concentrated potassium solutions are for intravenous use only after dilution. Do not administer undiluted.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguriaUntreated Addison's diseaseAcute dehydrationConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, eplerenone) unless monitored
| Precautions | Risk of hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment, adrenal insufficiency, or receiving potassium-sparing diuretics, Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes; adjust infusion rate accordingly, Use with caution in patients with heart disease, metabolic acidosis, or conditions predisposing to hyperglycemia, Extravasation may cause tissue necrosis |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, dried fruits, legumes) and potassium-containing salt substitutes. No other specific food interactions. |
| Clinical Pearls | This is a hypertonic solution (dextrose 5%, NaCl 0.3%) providing potassium supplementation. Administer via central line if concentration exceeds peripheral vein tolerance (typically >10 mEq/100 mL). Monitor serum potassium and ECG during infusion; rate should not exceed 10-20 mEq/hour in non-emergent settings. Contraindicated in severe hyperkalemia, anuria, or untreated Addison's disease. |
| Patient Advice | Report any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site immediately. · Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney problems, heart disease, or are taking potassium-sparing diuretics. · Do not consume potassium-rich foods or salt substitutes without consulting your doctor. · This medication is given intravenously; you may need frequent blood tests to monitor your potassium levels. |
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