POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ 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 provides potassium ions essential for maintenance of cellular membrane potential, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. Dextrose 5% supplies calories and may reduce protein and nitrogen losses. Sodium chloride 0.3% supplies sodium and chloride ions to maintain electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted by the kidneys; metabolism not applicable. Dextrose undergoes glycolysis and oxidation to carbon dioxide and water. Sodium chloride does not undergo metabolism. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% as potassium ions; minimal biliary/fecal (<5%) |
| Half-life | Not applicable as potassium is an electrolyte regulated by renal function; in normal renal function, steady state achieved within 24-48 hours of continuous infusion |
| Protein binding | Minimal; potassium ions are not significantly protein-bound (<5%) |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.5 L/kg; represents total body water distribution; clinical note: ~98% intracellular, 2% extracellular |
| Bioavailability | Oral (if applicable): 100% (well absorbed); IV: 100% |
| Onset of Action | IV: Immediate (minutes) for potassium repletion; oral: 30-60 minutes for gastrointestinal absorption |
| Duration of Action | IV: Duration dependent on infusion rate and renal excretion; typically 4-6 hours after infusion stops; oral: sustained effect over dosing interval |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion: 10-20 mEq/hour, not exceeding 30 mEq/hour or 200 mEq/24 hours; rate depends on severity of hypokalemia and patient tolerance.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR > 50 mL/min: no adjustment; GFR 10-50 mL/min: reduce dose by 50%; GFR < 10 mL/min: avoid or use with extreme caution, reduce dose by 75%. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment required; monitor for acidosis in severe hepatic impairment. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/day, maximum rate 1 mEq/kg/hour; not to exceed 30 mEq/day in neonates. |
| Geriatric use | Use lower initial doses; monitor renal function and serum potassium closely; avoid rapid infusion due to increased risk of hyperkalemia. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride administration is considered safe when used appropriately for maternal indications. No evidence of teratogenicity in human studies; however, use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe when indicated, with monitoring of maternal serum potassium and fetal well-being if administered intravenously. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe when indicated; avoid hyperkalemia which can cause fetal arrhythmia. Use with caution in preeclampsia or renal impairment. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses the placenta by active transport and passive diffusion. Fetal serum potassium is maintained within narrow limits; maternal hyperkalemia can lead to fetal hyperkalemia. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium is a normal component of breast milk. Intravenous potassium chloride poses minimal risk to the infant due to low transfer into milk after maternal administration. Monitor infant for potential effects if maternal doses are high. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Compatible) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride administration is not considered teratogenic. Normal electrolyte balance is critical for fetal development; however, hyperkalemia or hypokalemia may lead to adverse fetal effects. Potassium supplementation should be used to correct hypokalemia, avoiding both deficiency and excess. No specific malformations are attributed to potassium chloride. First trimester: No known risks when used appropriately. Second and third trimesters: Use as needed to maintain normal potassium levels; overdose may cause fetal arrhythmias. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum potassium levels regularly to avoid hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. Assess renal function, acid-base status, and ECG for arrhythmias. In pregnancy, monitor fetal heart rate and growth if maternal potassium derangements are severe or prolonged. Adjust infusion rate based on clinical response and labs. |
| Fertility Effects | No direct effects on fertility reported. Hypokalemia or hyperkalemia related to underlying conditions may impair reproductive function; correction of electrolyte imbalances may improve fertility outcomes. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium chloride injections are contraindicated and must be diluted prior to administration. Rapid intravenous administration may cause fatal hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Do not administer undiluted.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaConcurrent use with potassium-sparing diuretics (unless carefully monitored)Severe hemolytic reactionsAddison's diseaseAcute dehydrationExtensive tissue breakdown (e.g., severe burns, crush injury)
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium levels and ECG frequently during administration. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Avoid rapid infusion; may cause local venous irritation. Do not use plastic container in series connections. |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, salt substitutes) unless directed by clinician, as excessive intake can lead to hyperkalemia. Grapefruit juice has no significant interaction with potassium chloride but caution with other medications. Dextrose content (5%) may affect glycemic control in diabetics; monitor blood glucose. |
| Clinical Pearls | Always confirm patency of IV line before infusion due to risk of phlebitis and extravasation. Monitor serum potassium and cardiac telemetry during infusion, especially in patients with renal impairment or on digoxin. Do not administer IV potassium undiluted or via bolus; maximum infusion rate is 10 mEq/hour via peripheral line, 20 mEq/hour via central line. In patients with severe hypokalemia (<2.5 mEq/L), consider continuous cardiac monitoring and more aggressive replacement under ICU setting. Note that dextrose-containing solutions may transiently lower serum potassium via insulin-mediated cellular shift. |
| Patient Advice | This medication is given through a vein (IV) to replace potassium and provide fluids. · Report any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site immediately. · Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, heart disease, or are taking digoxin or diuretics. · You may need regular blood tests to check your potassium levels and kidney function. · Do not consume potassium-rich foods or supplements unless advised by your doctor, as it may cause dangerously high potassium levels. |
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