POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 40MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% 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 essential for the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle, and maintenance of normal renal function. Dextrose provides caloric support and sodium chloride provides electrolyte replacement.
| Metabolism | Potassium is not metabolized; it is excreted primarily by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis. Sodium chloride is not metabolized. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (>90% as potassium ion). Minimal fecal/biliary elimination. |
| Half-life | Not applicable; potassium is not eliminated via first-order kinetics. Homeostatic regulation maintains serum levels. |
| Protein binding | Not significantly protein bound (<5%). |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.5 L/kg; reflects distribution primarily in extracellular fluid. |
| Bioavailability | Intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Intravenous: Within minutes for serum potassium elevation. |
| Duration of Action | Intravenous: Effects persist for duration of infusion and post-infusion redistribution; cardiac membrane effects last minutes to hours. |
Intravenous infusion; dose depends on serum potassium level and clinical status. Typical adult dose: 20-40 mEq potassium chloride infused at a rate not exceeding 10-20 mEq/hour. The concentration in this product is 40 mEq/L, so infusion rate should be adjusted accordingly.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR >50 mL/min: No adjustment. GFR 30-50 mL/min: Reduce dose by 25-50% and monitor serum potassium closely. GFR <30 mL/min: Avoid use or use extreme caution with reduced dose and frequent monitoring of serum potassium and ECG. |
| Liver impairment | No specific adjustment for hepatic impairment; however, patients with severe hepatic impairment may have altered acid-base balance, requiring careful monitoring of serum potassium during infusion. |
| Pediatric use | Intravenous infusion; dose based on weight: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose, maximum 40 mEq/dose, infused at a rate not exceeding 0.5-1 mEq/kg/hour. Concentration must be <80 mEq/L for peripheral administration; this product's concentration is 40 mEq/L, suitable for peripheral use. |
| Geriatric use | Elderly patients may have reduced renal function; start at lower end of dosing range (e.g., 20 mEq), infuse at slower rate (max 10 mEq/hour), and monitor serum potassium and renal function closely to avoid 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 | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are normal blood constituents and pass into breast milk at concentrations similar to maternal serum. M/P ratio not applicable as these are endogenous substances. Considered compatible with breastfeeding when used therapeutically. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride is not teratogenic; no fetal risks are known. Dextrose and sodium chloride are physiological components. However, the vehicle (0.45% sodium chloride) may cause electrolyte imbalance if administered in excess. No trimester-specific risks are identified. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium solutions must be diluted before administration. Undiluted potassium may cause cardiac arrest. Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is intact.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
Hyperkalemia, acute renal failure, severe hemolytic reactions, Addison's disease, untreated hyperadrenocorticism, adynamia episodica hereditaria, acute dehydration, heat cramps, patients receiving potassium-sparing diuretics.
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium levels frequently. Use with caution in patients with renal impairment, heart disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia. Avoid rapid infusion which may cause hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias. Solutions containing dextrose may cause hyperglycemia. |
Loading safety data…
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum potassium, sodium, chloride, glucose, renal function, and fluid balance. Assess for hyperkalemia (ECG changes) and hyperglycemia. In pregnancy, monitor for preterm labor or polyhydramnios if glucose is elevated. |
| Fertility Effects | No effect on fertility reported with potassium chloride, dextrose, or sodium chloride at standard doses. No reproductive toxicity known. |