POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

Clinical safety rating: caution

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).

How it works

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.

What the body does with it

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.

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

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.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimester	Consult provider
2nd trimester	Consult provider
3rd trimester	Consult provider

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).

Breastfeeding	Potassium is normally present in breast milk. Exogenous administration is unlikely to affect breastfeeding infant significantly. M/P ratio not established; potassium is a normal milk constituent. Use with caution if maternal hyperkalemia present.
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.

Warnings & precautions

■ 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.

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

["Hyperkalemia (serum potassium >5.5 mEq/L)","Severe renal impairment with oliguria or anuria","Acute dehydration or heat cramps","Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease)","Concurrent use with potassium-sparing diuretics","Patients with hyperchloremia (for KCl only)"]

Clinical Precautions

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."]

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Drug interactions

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POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER

Clinical safety rating: caution

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER (POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 30MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER).

How it works

What the body does with it

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.

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

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.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimester	Consult provider
2nd trimester	Consult provider
3rd trimester	Consult provider

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).

Breastfeeding	Potassium is normally present in breast milk. Exogenous administration is unlikely to affect breastfeeding infant significantly. M/P ratio not established; potassium is a normal milk constituent. Use with caution if maternal hyperkalemia present.
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.