Adult Dosing
Notes- Dilute prior to administration
- Ensure complete mixing of the potassium chloride with the large volume fluid especially on use of soft of bag type containers
- Dose and rate of administration are individualized based on condition of each patient
- If serum potassium level is >2.5 mEq/L infuse at a rate not >10 mEq/hour, and in a concentration of up to 40 mEq/L total dose should not be >200 mEq
- Clean rubber closure with a suitable antiseptic agent
- Inspect visually for presence of particulate matter or discoloration
Treatment of potassium depletion
- Infuse at a rate of 10 mEq/hr; Max dose: 200 mEq/day; Alt: Infuse at a rate of 40 mEq/hr; Monitor cardiac function continuously; Max dose: 400 mEq/day
Note: Individualized dosing based on serum potassium level
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
Treatment of hypokalemia (Of label dosing )
- Infuse IV 1 mEq/kg/hr; Alt: IV 0.5 mEq/kg/h for 1-2h
Note Individualized dosing based on serum potassium level
[Outline]
- Presence of aluminum in product may be toxic on prolonged administration in patients with impaired renal function, premature neonates are at higher risk due to immature kidneys, levels of aluminum >4 to 5 mcg/kg/day is associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity
- Tissue loading have occurred also at lower rates of administration
- Infuse these solutions slowly to avoid potassium intoxication
- Fatal hyperkalemia and potassium intoxication have occurred on administration of potassium chloride in patients with renal insufficiency
- Fluid or solute overload resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states or pulmonary edema have occurred on administration of intravenous solutions
- Dilutional states are inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentration
- Solute overload causing congested states with peripheral and pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentration
- Perform electrocardiogram and monitor serum electrolytes, acid-base balance and the clinical status of the patient during therapy
- Use additional electrolyte supplements or electrolyte-free dextrose solutions added with individualized electrolyte supplements if deviations from normal concentrations
- Serum potassium levels are not always indicative of tissue potassium levels
- Monitor cardiac functions while using solutions containing potassium in presence of cardiac disease and renal disease
- Air embolism have occurred on drying of container, discontinue pumping action on such instance if administration is controlled by a pumping device
- On occurrence of adverse reactions immediately discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, provide appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if necessary
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Renal impairment
- Cardiovascular disease
- Subclinical diabetes mellitus
- Carbohydrate intolerance
- Diabetic acidosis
- Diabetic gastroparesis
- Acute dehydration
- Extensive tissue breakdown as in severe burns
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Systemic acidosis
- Dehydration
- Extensive tissue breakdown
- Concomitant use with potassium-sparing diuretic
- Concomitant use with anticholinergic agents
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown; unknown whether it can cause fatal harm on administering to pregnant woman, manufacturer advises caution and recommends use only if clearly needed.
US Trade Name(s)
US Availability
potassium chloride (generic)
- INJ: 2 mEq/mL
- INJ: 3 mEq/mL
- INJ: 745 mg/100mL
- INJ: 746 mg/100mL
- INJ: 14.9 mg/mL
- INJ: 29.8 mg/mL
- INJ: 1.49 g/100 mL
- INJ: 2.24 g/100 mL
- INJ: 2.98 g/100 mL
Canadian Trade Name(s)
Canadian Availability
potassium chloride (generic)
- INJ: 149 mg/mL
- INJ: 2 mEq/mL
- INJ: 20 mEq/10mL
- INJ: 10 mEq/50 mL
- INJ: 20 mEq/50 mL
- INJ: 10 mEq/100 mL
- INJ: 20 mEq/100 mL
- INJ: 30 mEq/100 mL
- INJ: 40 mEq/100 mL
K + 45
UK Trade Name(s)
UK Availability
potassium chloride (generic)
Australian Trade Name(s)
Australian Availability
potassium chloride (generic)
- INJ: 2.23 g/10 mL
- INJ: 0.75 g/10 mL
- INJ: 1 g/10 mL
- INJ: 1.5 g/10 mL
- INJ: 2 g/10 mL
[Outline]