POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride replaces potassium ions lost from the body; dextrose provides caloric energy; sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions to maintain electrolyte balance. Potassium is the major intracellular cation, essential for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and acid-base balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted by the kidneys; dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis; sodium and chloride are freely filtered and reabsorbed in the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (>90% as potassium); minimal fecal or biliary elimination. |
| Half-life | Terminal half-life not applicable for potassium; administered as a continuous infusion for correction of hypokalemia. In healthy individuals, serum potassium half-life is approximately 8-12 hours for distribution equilibration. |
| Protein binding | Potassium is not significantly protein bound (<2%); free ion in plasma. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.5-0.7 L/kg, reflecting distribution primarily in extracellular fluid and intracellular uptake via Na+/K+-ATPase. |
| Bioavailability | Not applicable for intravenous administration (100% bioavailability). Oral bioavailability of potassium chloride is 90-100% but the product is IV only. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: effects on serum potassium begin within minutes to hours, depending on rate of infusion and degree of deficit. |
| Duration of Action | Duration depends on ongoing losses and homeostasis; effect persists as long as infusion continues and for several hours after cessation due to redistribution and renal excretion. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion: 30 mEq potassium chloride in 1000 mL of D5 1/2NS, administered at a rate not exceeding 10 mEq/hour. Typical adult dose: 30-40 mEq/day, adjusted based on serum potassium.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 30-50 mL/min: Reduce dose by 25-50%. GFR <30 mL/min: Contraindicated or use with extreme caution, reduce dose by 50-75% and monitor serum potassium closely. Avoid if oliguric. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment for Child-Pugh class A or B. For Child-Pugh class C: Use with caution, monitor potassium levels frequently due to potential for rapid shifts; no standard dose reduction, but conservative dosing recommended. |
| Pediatric use | Weight-based: 0.5-1.5 mEq/kg/day intravenously, not to exceed 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Maximum dose: 40 mEq/day. Monitor serum potassium and ECG. |
| Geriatric use | Elderly patients: Start at lower end of dosing range (e.g., 20 mEq/day) due to age-related renal impairment. Infusion rate not to exceed 5-10 mEq/hour. Monitor renal function and serum potassium frequently. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride is generally considered safe at recommended doses during the first trimester when used for therapeutic indications. No increased risk of major birth defects has been reported. However, use only if clearly needed. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe at recommended doses. Monitor maternal serum potassium levels to avoid hyperkalemia, especially in conditions like preeclampsia or renal impairment. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe at recommended doses. Excessive potassium can cause maternal hyperkalemia, which may affect fetal cardiac function. Use with caution and monitor serum potassium. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses the placenta via active transport mechanisms to maintain fetal homeostasis. Fetal serum potassium is slightly higher than maternal. Excessive maternal potassium can lead to fetal hyperkalemia. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium chloride is a normal constituent of milk and essential for infant nutrition. Supplemental potassium is excreted into breast milk in amounts that are unlikely to cause adverse effects in the infant. However, monitor maternal serum potassium to avoid excess, and use caution in neonates with renal impairment or those receiving potassium supplements. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 - Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride is not teratogenic. Dextrose and sodium chloride are physiologic. No increased risk of congenital anomalies. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and sodium levels. Assess renal function, fluid balance, and signs of hyperkalemia (ECG changes, weakness) or hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia. |
| Fertility Effects | No adverse effects on fertility reported. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Potassium chloride injection concentrate must be diluted before use. Rapid intravenous administration may cause fatal hyperkalemia. Do not administer undiluted.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Hyperkalemia (serum potassium >5.5 mEq/L)Severe renal impairment (oliguria, anuria, or elevated BUN/creatinine) unless on dialysisConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride, triamterene)Addison's disease (untreated adrenal insufficiency)Acute dehydration or heat crampsHyperkalemic periodic paralysisConcurrent use of potassium-containing salt substitutes or other potassium supplements without monitoring
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium levels, renal function, and ECG during administration. Use with caution in patients with cardiac disease, renal impairment, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Avoid rapid infusion. Dextrose may cause hyperglycemia; use with caution in diabetic patients. |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid excessive intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach) and salt substitutes containing potassium chloride. Consumption of alcohol may affect electrolyte balance. |
| Clinical Pearls | Inspect container for particulate matter or discoloration before administration. Use inline filter if precipitates are suspected. Administer via central line if concentration exceeds 60 mEq/L peripherally. Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels, especially in patients with renal impairment or diabetes. Do not administer simultaneously with blood products due to risk of hemolysis. |
| Patient Advice | Notify your healthcare provider if you experience tingling sensations, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat. · This medication is for intravenous use only; do not change the infusion rate yourself. · Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, diabetes, or are on a potassium-restricted diet. · Report any signs of infusion site reactions such as pain, redness, or swelling. |
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