POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 5MEQ 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 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 |
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 | 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, dextrose, and sodium are normal components of breast milk. Potassium chloride and sodium chloride are excreted into breast milk but are not expected to cause adverse effects in nursing infants. No M/P ratio is available; however, these substances are naturally present. Use with caution only if clearly needed. |
| Teratogenic Risk |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
NO BLACK BOX WARNINGS FOR THIS PRODUCT.
| Common Effects | fluid replacement |
| Serious Effects |
["Hyperkalemia","Renal failure (severe or anuria)","Severe metabolic acidosis","Concurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements (unless closely monitored)","Addison's disease"]
| 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."] |
Loading safety data…
| 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. |