POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 5MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium chloride provides potassium ions, which are essential for maintaining intracellular osmolarity, acid-base balance, and nerve impulse transmission. Dextrose 5% provides caloric support and may help prevent ketosis. Sodium chloride 0.3% provides sodium and chloride ions to maintain extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium chloride is not metabolized; potassium is excreted primarily by the kidneys. Dextrose is metabolized via glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. Sodium and chloride are excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Renal excretion: >90% of potassium load excreted by kidneys; remainder via feces (~10%) and sweat (<5%). |
| Half-life | Not applicable for potassium itself; potassium is an electrolyte with no true elimination half-life. Distribution half-life of administered potassium is approximately 1-1.5 hours due to cellular uptake. |
| Protein binding | Potassium is not significantly protein-bound; <5% bound. |
| Volume of Distribution | Approximately 0.5 L/kg (total body water); potassium distributes throughout total body water. |
| Bioavailability | IV: 100%. Oral: Approximately 80-90% (extensive absorption); given as a solution, bioavailability is near complete. |
| Onset of Action | IV infusion: Onset within minutes as potassium distributes and corrects hypokalemia. Oral: Onset of action 1-2 hours after oral administration. |
| Duration of Action | IV infusion: Duration depends on infusion rate and ongoing losses; typically 2-4 hours after cessation of infusion. Oral: Duration of effect 4-6 hours after a single dose. |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
1 to 2 mEq/kg per day IV, infused at a rate not exceeding 10 mEq/hour; typical adult dose 20-40 mEq per dose.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 10-50 mL/min: reduce dose by 25-50%; GFR <10 mL/min: avoid or use with extreme caution, reduce dose by 50% or more. |
| Liver impairment | Child-Pugh A: no adjustment; Child-Pugh B: reduce dose by 25-50%; Child-Pugh C: avoid or use with extreme caution, reduce dose by 50% or more. |
| Pediatric use | 0.5-1 mEq/kg per dose IV, maximum 1 mEq/kg per hour; maximum daily dose 3 mEq/kg or 40 mEq/m². |
| Geriatric use | Initiate at low end of dosing range (e.g., 10-20 mEq per dose); monitor renal function and serum potassium closely; infusion rate not exceeding 5-10 mEq/hour. |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride is generally considered safe in pregnancy when used for appropriate indications and at recommended doses. It is a normal constituent of body fluids and required for cellular function. However, electrolyte status should be monitored closely. |
| 2nd trimester | Same as first trimester. Potassium chloride is safe when used as directed for electrolyte replacement. No known teratogenic effects. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe when used as directed. The drug does not pose significant risk to the fetus. However, maternal electrolyte imbalances should be corrected gradually to avoid fetal complications. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium crosses the placenta but is under homeostatic control. The placenta regulates potassium transfer to maintain fetal levels. No significant accumulation or harm expected at therapeutic doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium chloride is a normal component of breast milk and is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Excretion into milk is minimal and not expected to cause adverse effects in the infant. Monitor maternal serum potassium levels as excessive maternal supplementation could lead to hyperkalemia. |
| Lactation Rating | L1 (Safe) |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride is a normal body constituent; no teratogenic risk at therapeutic doses. Dextrose and sodium chloride are also physiologic. No fetal harm reported in any trimester. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor serum electrolytes (K+, Na+, Cl-), blood glucose, fluid status, renal function, and ECG for hyperkalemia/hypokalemia. Fetal heart rate monitoring indicated if maternal electrolyte imbalance occurs. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effect on fertility. Direct data lacking; however, as physiologic ions, no adverse reproductive impact expected. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
Concentrated potassium chloride solutions (e.g., >10 mEq per 100 mL) must be diluted before administration due to risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias from rapid infusion. This specific product is a premixed solution and does not require further dilution, but caution is advised.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaConcurrent use of potassium-sparing diureticsAddison's disease (untreated)Acute dehydrationExtensive tissue breakdown (e.g., severe burns)
| Precautions | Monitor serum potassium levels frequently during therapy, Use with extreme caution in patients with renal impairment, cardiac disease, or conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia, Do not administer to patients with severe metabolic acidosis or hyperkalemia, Rapid infusion may cause hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest, Contains dextrose; use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus |
| Food/Dietary | No direct food interactions. However, potassium intake from diet (e.g., bananas, oranges, salt substitutes) should be considered in patients at risk for hyperkalemia. Sodium intake may be restricted in hypertensive or edematous patients. |
| Clinical Pearls | This combination is primarily used for maintenance fluid and electrolyte replacement. Potassium chloride concentration is 5 mEq per liter, which is low; for significant hypokalemia, higher concentrations may be needed. The solution contains dextrose, so monitor blood glucose in diabetic patients. Sodium chloride 0.3% provides hypotonic sodium; not suitable for resuscitation. Use with caution in renal impairment due to risk of hyperkalemia. |
| Patient Advice | This medication is given through a vein to replace fluids and electrolytes. · Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, diabetes, or are on a low-sodium diet. · Report symptoms like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or swelling. · Do not stop the infusion without medical advice. · The solution contains sugar; blood glucose may need monitoring. |
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