POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.225% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium, the major intracellular cation, essential for nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and acid-base balance. Dextrose provides calories and sodium chloride maintains electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted by the kidneys; dextrose undergoes cellular metabolism; sodium chloride is renally regulated. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (90% or more) as potassium ions; minimal biliary or fecal elimination (<10%). Excretion is directly correlated with glomerular filtration and tubular handling. |
| Half-life | Approximately 2–4 hours for potassium in the plasma; however, the terminal half-life is not clinically meaningful as potassium is tightly regulated. The redistribution and elimination half-life is about 12–16 hours from the whole body, with a slowly exchanging pool. Clinical context: In renal impairment, half-life is prolonged. |
| Protein binding | Negligible; potassium is not significantly bound to plasma proteins (<1% bound). |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.5 L/kg (range 0.4–0.6 L/kg). This reflects distribution primarily into the intracellular space (98% of total body potassium is intracellular). Clinical meaning: Large Vd indicates extensive tissue uptake; rapid distribution occurs from plasma into cells via Na+/K+ ATPase. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (given as an infusion directly into the bloodstream). Oral: Not applicable for this formulation; enteral absorption is ~90% from dietary sources but not relevant for this IV product. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous administration: Immediate (within seconds to minutes) as potassium is infused directly into circulation; clinical effect on serum potassium levels is rapid. The rate depends on infusion speed. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Duration of effect on serum potassium lasts for 1–2 hours after infusion stops, but total body repletion may require longer. Maintenance of normal levels depends on ongoing intake and renal function. |
Intravenous infusion of 10-20 mEq/hour, not to exceed 40 mEq/hour or 200 mEq per 24 hours. Typical dose 30 mEq in 1000 mL of D5 0.225% NaCl at a rate of 100 mL/hour.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 10-50 mL/min: use with caution, monitor serum potassium; GFR <10 mL/min: avoid use unless dialysis is available and frequent monitoring is performed. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment required; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of electrolyte imbalances. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose, not to exceed 30 mEq per dose; administer at a rate not exceeding 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. |
| Geriatric use | Start at lower end of dosing range (5-10 mEq/hour) due to age-related renal function decline and increased risk of hyperkalemia; monitor closely. |
| 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 is a normal constituent of breast milk and levels are regulated. Exogenous potassium chloride administration does not significantly alter breast milk concentration. M/P ratio not determined as unnecessary. Use caution only in context of maternal hyperkalemia or electrolyte imbalance. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride is not teratogenic. No fetal risks are associated with potassium administration at standard doses. However, hyperkalemia from excessive dosing may cause fetal arrhythmias. Dextrose and sodium chloride are considered safe in pregnancy. No trimester-specific risks identified. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
No FDA black box warning specific to this combination product.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal impairment with oliguria or azotemia","Adrenal insufficiency","Concomitant use with potassium-sparing diuretics"]
| Precautions | ["Risk of hyperkalemia, especially in renal impairment","Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes","Rapid infusion may cause hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest","Use with caution in patients with heart failure, renal failure, or adrenal insufficiency"] |
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| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and sodium levels regularly. Assess for signs of hyperkalemia (ECG changes, muscle weakness). Fetal heart rate monitoring if maternal electrolyte disturbances occur. Monitor maternal fluid status for volume overload, especially in preeclampsia. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility. Potassium chloride does not impair reproductive function. Dextrose and sodium chloride have no adverse effects on fertility. |