Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.
Distribution: Enters extracellular fluid; then actively transported into cells.
Half-Life: Unknown.
(increase in serum potassium levels)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
PO | unknown | 12 hr | unknown |
IV | rapid | end of infusion | unknown |
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
CV: ECG changes, ARRHYTHMIAS
Local: irritation at IV site
Neuro: confusion, paralysis, paresthesia, restlessness, weakness
Drug-drug:
Normal Daily Requirements
Treatment of Hypokalemia
Potassium Acetate
(Generic available)Potassium Chloride
(Generic available)Lab Test Considerations:
Toxicity and Overdose:
May be diluted in dextrose, saline, Ringers solution, LR, dextrose/saline, dextrose/Ringers solution, and dextrose/LR combinations. Commercially available premixed with many of the above IV solutions.
Y-Site Incompatibility:
Medication errors involving too rapid infusion or bolus IV administration of potassium chloride have resulted in fatalities. See IV administration guidelines below.
Never administer potassium IV push or bolus.
Potassium Acetate
Do not administer undiluted. Each single dose must be diluted and thoroughly mixed in 1001000 mL of dextrose, saline, Ringers or LR, dextrose/saline, dextrose/Ringer's, or LR combinations. Usually limited to 80 mEq/L via peripheral line (200 mEq/L via central line).
Infuse slowly, at a rate up to 10 mEq/hr in adults or 0.5 mEq/kg/hr in children on general care areas. Check hospital policy for maximum infusion rates (maximum rate in monitored setting 40 mEq/hr in adults or 1 mEq/kg/hr in children).
Potassium Chloride
Do not administer concentrations of ≥1.5 mEq/mL undiluted; may cause cardiac arrest. Concentrated products have black caps on vials or black stripes above constriction on ampules and are labeled with a warning about dilution requirement. Each single dose must be diluted and thoroughly mixed in 1001000 mL of IV solution. Usually limited to 80 mEq/L via peripheral line (200 mEq/L via central line)
.Infuse slowly, at a rate up to 10 mEq/hr in adults or 0.5 mEq/kg/hr in children in general care areas. Check hospital policy for maximum infusion rates (maximum rate in monitored setting 40 mEq/hr in adults or 1 mEq/kg/hr in children in a peripheral line. May use higher concentrations via central line). Use an infusion pump.