POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 5MEQ IN DEXTROSE 5% AND SODIUM CHLORIDE 0.45% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
Clinical safety rating
safeNo significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation; it is essential for maintenance of membrane potential, nerve impulse transmission, cardiac contractility, and skeletal muscle function. Dextrose provides calories and may decrease protein catabolism. Sodium chloride helps maintain extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte balance.
| Metabolism | Potassium is not metabolized; it is excreted renally. Dextrose is metabolized to carbon dioxide and water via glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Sodium and chloride are excreted renally. |
| Excretion | Renal: >90% as potassium ion; minor fecal loss <10% |
| Half-life | Not applicable for endogenous potassium; infused potassium distributes with a rapid initial phase (~1 h) and a slower terminal phase (~8-12 h) reflecting cellular equilibration |
| Protein binding | Minimal; <5% |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.2-0.5 L/kg, reflecting extracellular and intracellular distribution |
| Bioavailability | Oral: ~90% (well absorbed); IV: 100% |
| Onset of Action | IV: Immediate; oral: 30-60 min |
| Duration of Action | IV: 2-4 h post-infusion for serum level normalization; oral: sustained while intake continues |
| Molecular Weight | 74.55 |
Intravenous infusion; dose determined by serum potassium levels and patient condition; typical maintenance: 10-20 mEq potassium per hour; maximum infusion rate: 20 mEq/hour (not to exceed 1 mEq/kg/hour); concentration not to exceed 80 mEq/L via peripheral line. Each 1 L of this product contains 5 mEq potassium chloride, 50 g dextrose, and 77 mEq sodium chloride.
| Dosage form | INJECTABLE |
| Renal impairment | GFR 10-50 mL/min: use with caution, monitor potassium levels closely; GFR <10 mL/min: avoid use or reduce dose to prevent hyperkalemia. Potassium supplementation is generally not recommended in severe renal impairment unless documented hypokalemia. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dosing adjustment required for Child-Pugh class A, B, or C. Monitor serum potassium as hepatic impairment may affect acid-base balance. |
| Pediatric use | Dose determined by age, weight, and serum potassium; typical infusion rate: 0.5-1 mEq/kg over 1 hour; maximum daily dose: 3 mEq/kg/day; maximum infusion rate: 1 mEq/kg/hour. Use in children only if hypokalemia is documented and monitored. |
| Geriatric use | Use with caution due to age-related decline in renal function; monitor renal function and serum potassium; consider lower initial doses and slower infusion rates (e.g., 5-10 mEq/hour). |
| 1st trimester | Potassium chloride in standard IV fluids is considered safe when used appropriately; however, electrolyte imbalances should be corrected cautiously. No evidence of teratogenicity. |
| 2nd trimester | Safe for use to correct or prevent hypokalemia. Monitor serum potassium and renal function. |
| 3rd trimester | Safe for use, but avoid hyperkalemia which may cause maternal arrhythmias. Monitor during labor if high doses used. |
Clinical note
No significant drug interactions Can cause hypernatremia and fluid overload.
| FDA category | Animal |
| Placental transfer | Potassium readily crosses the placenta; fetal serum levels correlate with maternal levels. No adverse effects at therapeutic doses. |
| Breastfeeding | Potassium chloride is a normal constituent of breast milk. Administration of IV fluids with potassium does not pose risk to the infant. No dose adjustment needed. |
| Lactation Rating | Safe |
| Teratogenic Risk | Potassium chloride, dextrose, and sodium chloride are not teratogenic. There is no evidence of fetal risk from electrolyte and fluid administration at recommended doses. However, maternal electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia) can adversely affect the fetus. Use only if clearly needed. |
| Fetal Monitoring | Monitor maternal serum electrolytes (potassium, sodium, glucose), fluid balance, and renal function. Assess for signs of hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, or fluid overload. Fetal monitoring (heart rate, growth) may be indicated if maternal metabolic disturbances occur. |
| Fertility Effects | No known direct effects on fertility. However, underlying conditions requiring this solution (e.g., dehydration, electrolyte imbalances) may impact fertility if untreated. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
NO BLACK BOX WARNINGS FOR THIS PRODUCT.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
HyperkalemiaSevere renal impairment with oliguria or anuriaAddison's diseaseAcute dehydrationConcomitant use with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) unless carefully monitored
| Precautions | Administration may cause hyperkalemia, especially in patients with renal impairment, or with rapid infusion., Use with caution in patients with cardiac disease, conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia (e.g., adrenal insufficiency, acidosis), or those receiving potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs., Monitor serum potassium, glucose, and electrolytes regularly., Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is intact. |
| Food/Dietary | Avoid potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, avocados) and potassium-containing salt substitutes while receiving this infusion, unless specifically instructed by your physician. Also, limit sodium intake if hypertensive or edematous. |
| Clinical Pearls | Monitor serum potassium and glucose levels during infusion, especially in renal impairment or diabetic patients. Use with caution in patients on digoxin, as hyperkalemia can precipitate digoxin toxicity. Do not administer concentrated potassium solutions peripherally; typical maximum peripheral concentration is 10 mEq/100 mL. Check for vein irritation or phlebitis at infusion site. Use a volumetric pump to control infusion rate; rapid infusion can cause cardiac arrest. |
| Patient Advice | This medication contains potassium, dextrose (sugar), and sodium chloride (salt), administered intravenously to replenish electrolytes and provide calories. · Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease, heart problems, diabetes, or are on medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium-sparing diuretics. · Report any symptoms of high potassium (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, tingling) or high blood sugar (increased thirst, frequent urination, confusion) immediately. · Do not consume potassium-rich foods or salt substitutes without consulting your doctor, as this may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. |
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