POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
cautionComprehensive clinical and safety monograph for POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
Potassium chloride (KCl) replaces potassium ions, which are essential for maintaining cellular membrane potential, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and acid-base balance. Dextrose 5% provides a source of calories and water for hydration.
| Metabolism | Potassium is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys (90%) with minor fecal loss. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% of potassium is excreted renally, primarily via distal tubular secretion; a small fraction is lost in feces (<10%) and negligible biliary elimination. |
| Half-life | Potassium has no classic elimination half-life; distribution and excretion are rapid with a plasma half-life of approximately 1–1.5 hours in healthy individuals, but this is clinically irrelevant as body stores are regulated by renal function. |
| Protein binding | Not significantly protein-bound; <1% bound to plasma proteins. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.5–0.7 L/kg; reflects distribution primarily into extracellular fluid (15% of body weight) and rapid equilibration with intracellular stores, though Vd is not well-defined for potassium due to active transport. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100% bioavailable. Oral: 80–90% bioavailable (absorption from gastrointestinal tract is nearly complete, but first-pass uptake by the liver is minimal). |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Immediately upon infusion; distribution to intracellular space occurs within minutes, with clinical effects (e.g., ECG changes) seen within 1–2 minutes for moderate rates. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Duration of effect on plasma potassium concentration is short (minutes to hours) due to rapid redistribution into cells and renal excretion; continuous infusion is often required to maintain effect for severe hypokalemia. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
10-20 mEq potassium chloride IV infused at a rate not exceeding 10-20 mEq/hour; maximum 40 mEq per dose. Administer in dextrose 5% solution.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 30-50 mL/min: reduce dose by 25-50%. GFR <30 mL/min: avoid use or use with extreme caution, reduce dose by 50-75% and monitor serum potassium closely. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dose adjustment recommended; monitor potassium levels due to potential risk of hyperkalemia in severe hepatic impairment. |
| Pediatric use | 0.5-1 mEq/kg per dose IV, infused at a rate of 0.5 mEq/kg/hour; maximum 1 mEq/kg per dose up to 40 mEq total. |
| Geriatric use | Start with lower end of dosing range (10-20 mEq); maximum infusion rate 10 mEq/hour; monitor renal function and serum potassium frequently. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride is essential for cellular function. Use only if clearly needed. Hypokalemia should be corrected cautiously to avoid hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium closely. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as t1. Potassium requirements may increase during pregnancy. Use only if clearly indicated and monitor serum levels. |
| 3rd trimester | Same as t1. Avoid hyperkalemia which can cause maternal arrhythmias and fetal distress. Use with careful monitoring. |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses the placenta by active transport and diffusion. Fetal serum potassium levels are typically higher than maternal. Excessive maternal potassium can lead to fetal hyperkalemia. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium is a normal constituent of breast milk. Intravenous potassium chloride administration does not significantly increase milk potassium levels. Compatible with breastfeeding; monitor infant for signs of hyperkalemia if high doses are used. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Compatible) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Pregnancy Category C. Potassium chloride is an electrolyte; no teratogenic effects reported in humans. Risk of fetal hyperkalemia if maternal hyperkalemia occurs. First trimester: no human data; animal studies not conducted. Second/third trimesters: increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias in fetus if maternal potassium levels are abnormal. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum potassium levels throughout therapy. Monitor fetal heart rate and uterine tone during IV administration. ECG monitoring for maternal cardiac effects if potassium levels high. |
| Fertility Effects | No known adverse effects on fertility. Potassium chloride administration does not impair reproductive function in animal studies or human data. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Potassium chloride injection concentrate must be diluted before use. Rapid infusion may cause fatal hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia.
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene) without close monitoringAdrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease)Acute dehydrationHeat cramps
| Precautions | Hyperkalemia risk: Monitor serum potassium levels, especially in renal impairment., Cardiac effects: ECG changes may occur with hyperkalemia; avoid rapid infusion., Extravasation: Can cause tissue necrosis; ensure proper IV access., Dextrose content: May cause hyperglycemia; caution in diabetes mellitus., Administration: Do not administer undiluted; use with infusion pump for concentrated solutions. |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid high-potassium foods (bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, salt substitutes) unless directed by your healthcare provider. Maintain consistent dietary potassium intake while on therapy. |
| Clinical Pearls | Potassium chloride in dextrose 5% is indicated for hypokalemia with fluid/caloric needs. Administer via central line if concentration > 60 mEq/L; peripheral infusion requires concentration ≤ 60 mEq/L and rate ≤ 10 mEq/hr. Never give IV bolus; max infusion rate 20 mEq/hr with ECG monitoring. Contraindicated in hyperkalemia, severe renal impairment, and conditions with tissue breakdown. Monitor serum potassium, renal function, and ECG during infusion. |
| Patient Advice | This medication is used to treat low potassium levels and provide calories and fluids. · You may experience burning or pain at the IV site; report immediately. · Do not adjust the infusion rate yourself. · Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, heart conditions, or take potassium-sparing diuretics. · Report symptoms of high potassium: muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, irregular heartbeat. |
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