POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.9% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating: safe
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation; it is necessary for the conduction of nerve impulses, maintenance of normal cardiac rhythm, and contraction of skeletal and smooth muscle. Dextrose provides calories and is a source of glucose for cellular metabolism. Sodium chloride provides sodium and chloride ions, maintaining electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is not metabolized; it is excreted primarily by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. Sodium and chloride are not metabolized and are excreted by the kidneys. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% as potassium ions; fecal: <10%; minimal biliary elimination. |
| Half-life | Not applicable for potassium; distribution half-life ~0.5-1 h; elimination depends on renal function; in normal renal function, plasma potassium decline follows biphasic pattern with terminal half-life ~2-4 h. |
| Protein binding | None (potassium is not bound to plasma proteins). |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.5-0.7 L/kg; reflects distribution primarily into extracellular fluid (ECF) with slow entry into intracellular space. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% (by definition). Oral: 80-90% (not applicable for this IV formulation). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: immediate (within minutes) for ECG effects; clinical effect on serum potassium within 30-60 min. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: 4-6 h for serum potassium elevation; duration of ECG effect may persist longer depending on total body deficit. |
Intravenous infusion: 10-20 mEq per hour, not exceeding 40 mEq in 4 hours; maximum 150 mEq per day; dose based on potassium deficit and serum potassium level.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR >50 mL/min: no adjustment. GFR 10-50 mL/min: reduce dose by 50% and monitor serum potassium closely. GFR <10 mL/min: use with extreme caution; generally avoid or use only if hypokalemia present with close monitoring. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment required; however, potassium excretion may be impaired in severe hepatic disease (e.g., ascites, cirrhosis) due to secondary hyperaldosteronism; monitor serum potassium closely and adjust dose accordingly. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous: 0.3-0.5 mEq/kg/hour for maintenance; severe hypokalemia: 0.5-0.7 mEq/kg/hour, not to exceed 20 mEq/hour. Dilute to concentration ≤0.1 mEq/mL (100 mEq/L) for peripheral administration. |
| Geriatric use | Start at low end of dosing range (e.g., 10 mEq over 1-2 hours) due to age-related decline in renal function; maximum infusion rate 20 mEq/hour. Monitor serum potassium and renal function frequently. |
| 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, dextrose, and sodium are normal components of breast milk. Potassium chloride is not known to alter milk composition. M/P ratio not applicable as potassium is endogenously regulated. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are not known to be teratogenic. No increased risk of fetal malformations has been reported with use during any trimester. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium solutions should be diluted before administration; rapid infusion may cause hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Potassium chloride must be administered with extreme caution, especially in patients with renal impairment, and should be infused via a central line if concentration exceeds 40 mEq/L.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Severe renal failure with oliguria or anuria","Addison's disease","Conditions with elevated potassium levels (e.g., acute dehydration, extensive tissue breakdown)","Concurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics"]
| Precautions | ["Hyperkalemia risk may be increased with renal impairment, adrenal insufficiency, or concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs","Monitor serum potassium levels and ECG during administration","Avoid extravasation; may cause tissue necrosis","Use with caution in patients with heart failure, severe renal failure, or conditions with fluid overload"] |
Loading safety data…
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and sodium levels; renal function; and fluid balance. Fetal monitoring not routinely required unless maternal electrolyte disturbances occur. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility. Standard intravenous solutions are not expected to impair reproductive function. |