POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ 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 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 |
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 | 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 | Breastfeeding safety: Potassium chloride is a normal component of breast milk. Supplementation to correct maternal deficiency is considered safe. M/P ratio: Not available; potassium is actively transported into milk, but maternal dose does not significantly affect infant serum levels. Caution with high doses due to potential for maternal hyperkalemia. |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ 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 |
Hyperkalemia, severe renal failure, untreated Addison's disease, severe hemolytic reactions, hyperkalemia due to any cause, or known hypersensitivity to any component.
| 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. |
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| 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. |