Pot Chl/nacl 40meq/l Inj, 1000ml

Manufacturer FRESENIUS KABI USA Active Ingredient Intravenous (IV) Fluids(in truh VEE nuhs FLOO ids) Pronunciation POH-tass-ee-um KLOR-ide / NAY-tree-um KLOR-ide IN-jek-shun
It is used to give fluids to the body when more fluids and electrolytes are needed.It is used as a way to give other drugs as a shot.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
đŸˇī¸
Drug Class
Fluid and Electrolyte Replenisher
đŸ§Ŧ
Pharmacologic Class
Electrolyte Solution; Intravenous Fluid
🤰
Pregnancy Category
Category C (due to potential for electrolyte imbalance if not properly managed)
✅
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
âš–ī¸
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

â„šī¸

What is this medicine?

This medication is an intravenous (IV) fluid that contains essential salts, potassium and sodium chloride, along with water. It is given directly into your vein to help replace fluids and salts that your body might be missing, which can happen due to illness, surgery, or not being able to drink enough. It helps keep your body's fluid and salt levels balanced, which is important for your heart, muscles, and nerves to work properly.
📋

How to Use This Medicine

Proper Use of This Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. This medication is administered as an infusion into a vein over a specified period. Your doctor may provide guidance on self-administration. Before and after handling the medication, wash your hands thoroughly.

Important Administration Precautions

Do not use the medication if the solution appears cloudy, is leaking, or contains particles. Additionally, do not use the solution if it has changed color. Dispose of needles and sharp objects in a designated disposal box. Never reuse needles or other items. When the disposal box is full, follow local regulations for proper disposal. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage and Disposal

Typically, this medication is administered in a hospital or doctor's office. If you are required to store it at home, follow the storage instructions provided by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to determine the best course of action.
💡

Lifestyle & Tips

  • Report any unusual symptoms immediately to your nurse or doctor.
  • Inform healthcare providers about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.
  • Follow all instructions regarding fluid intake and dietary restrictions, if any, as advised by your healthcare team.

Dosing & Administration

đŸ‘¨â€âš•ī¸

Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Highly individualized based on patient's fluid and electrolyte status, clinical condition, and ongoing losses. Typically administered as a continuous intravenous infusion.

Condition-Specific Dosing:

hypokalemia: Dose and rate depend on severity of hypokalemia and patient's renal function. Max infusion rate for potassium is generally 10-20 mEq/hour in peripheral veins, higher rates require central line and continuous cardiac monitoring.
fluid_replacement: Rate and volume determined by hydration status, vital signs, and urine output.
đŸ‘ļ

Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Highly individualized; extreme caution due to immature renal function and fluid balance. Dosing based on body weight and specific electrolyte deficits.
Infant: Highly individualized; caution due to immature renal function. Dosing based on body weight and specific electrolyte deficits.
Child: Highly individualized; caution. Dosing based on body weight and specific electrolyte deficits.
Adolescent: Highly individualized; similar to adult dosing but adjusted for weight and pubertal stage.
âš•ī¸

Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor electrolytes closely.
Moderate: Reduced dose and/or slower infusion rate; frequent monitoring of serum potassium and sodium is critical. Risk of hyperkalemia and fluid overload increased.
Severe: Contraindicated or extreme caution; significant dose reduction and continuous monitoring of electrolytes and fluid status. Risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia and fluid overload.
Dialysis: Contraindicated or used with extreme caution and close monitoring, as dialysis patients often have impaired potassium and sodium excretion. Dosing must be coordinated with dialysis schedule and electrolyte levels.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific dose adjustment, but monitor fluid balance due to potential for ascites or edema.
Moderate: No specific dose adjustment, but monitor fluid balance and electrolytes closely.
Severe: No specific dose adjustment, but monitor fluid balance and electrolytes closely, especially in patients with significant fluid retention or hepatorenal syndrome.

Pharmacology

đŸ”Ŧ

Mechanism of Action

Potassium Chloride and Sodium Chloride are essential electrolytes that maintain intracellular and extracellular fluid balance, osmotic pressure, and acid-base equilibrium. Potassium is the major intracellular cation, crucial for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (including cardiac), and enzyme function. Sodium is the major extracellular cation, vital for maintaining plasma volume, blood pressure, and nerve/muscle function. Chloride is the major extracellular anion, involved in maintaining acid-base balance and osmotic pressure. This solution provides these electrolytes and water to correct deficits and maintain homeostasis.
📊

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: 100% (administered intravenously)
Tmax: Not applicable (immediate distribution)
FoodEffect: Not applicable (intravenous administration)

Distribution:

Vd: Total body water (for water and sodium/chloride); primarily intracellular (for potassium)
ProteinBinding: Not applicable (ions)
CnssPenetration: Yes (electrolytes distribute across the blood-brain barrier to maintain CNS fluid and electrolyte balance)

Elimination:

HalfLife: Highly variable, dependent on renal function, hydration status, and ongoing losses. Not a fixed pharmacokinetic half-life in the traditional sense.
Clearance: Primarily renal excretion; also via sweat and GI tract (minor).
ExcretionRoute: Renal (urine)
Unchanged: 100% (ions are not metabolized)
âąī¸

Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Immediate (upon intravenous administration)
PeakEffect: Rapid (within minutes to hours, depending on infusion rate and deficit)
DurationOfAction: Dependent on patient's physiological needs, renal function, and ongoing fluid/electrolyte losses.

Safety & Warnings

âš ī¸

Side Effects

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, such as:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Feeling very tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Unable to pass urine or changes in urine production
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry eyes
+ Severe stomach upset or vomiting
Signs of skin infection, such as:
+ Oozing
+ Heat
+ Swelling
+ Redness
+ Pain
Swelling, warmth, numbness, color change, or pain in a leg or arm
Chest pain or pressure
Fever
Shortness of breath
Sudden weight gain
Swelling in the arms or legs

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor for advice:

Irritation or swelling at the injection site
* Pain at the injection site

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🚨

Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet (fluid overload)
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (fluid overload)
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness (electrolyte imbalance)
  • Muscle cramps or numbness/tingling (electrolyte imbalance)
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat (electrolyte imbalance)
  • Confusion or dizziness (electrolyte imbalance)
  • Increased thirst or dry mouth (dehydration/electrolyte imbalance)
📋

Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. This medication may affect or be affected by other drugs or health problems, so it is crucial to disclose all relevant information.

To ensure safe treatment, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Natural products and vitamins you are using
* Any health problems you have

Carefully review your medications and health conditions with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to take this medication. Do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
âš ī¸

Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

If your medication contains potassium, consult your doctor before using a salt substitute or any product that also contains potassium.

If your medication contains dextrose and you have diabetes (high blood sugar), discuss this with your doctor to ensure safe management of your condition.

Regular blood tests will be necessary as directed by your doctor. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your doctor regarding these tests.

When administering this medication to a newborn, it is crucial to exercise caution, as the risk of side effects may be increased in this age group.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.
🆘

Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Severe hyperkalemia (life-threatening arrhythmias, muscle paralysis, cardiac arrest)
  • Severe hypernatremia (seizures, coma, brain damage)
  • Fluid overload (pulmonary edema, heart failure, cerebral edema)
  • Metabolic acidosis (if large volumes of chloride are given without bicarbonate)

What to Do:

Immediate discontinuation of infusion. Management is supportive and depends on the specific electrolyte imbalance and severity. This may include diuretics for fluid overload, insulin/glucose or calcium gluconate for hyperkalemia, or dialysis in severe cases. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) or seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions

đŸšĢ

Contraindicated Interactions

  • Hyperkalemia
  • Hypernatremia
  • Severe renal impairment (especially for potassium-containing solutions)
  • Addison's disease (risk of hyperkalemia)
  • Acute dehydration (without electrolyte loss, as it can worsen hypernatremia)
  • Severe metabolic acidosis (if solution contains chloride, can worsen acidosis)
🔴

Major Interactions

  • ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
  • Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan): Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene): Increased risk of severe hyperkalemia.
  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): Can impair renal potassium excretion, increasing hyperkalemia risk.
  • Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus: Can increase serum potassium.
  • Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone): Can cause sodium and fluid retention, potentially exacerbating hypernatremia or fluid overload.
  • Digoxin: Hyperkalemia can antagonize digoxin effects; hypokalemia can potentiate digoxin toxicity. Careful monitoring required.
🟡

Moderate Interactions

  • Other potassium-containing medications or supplements: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
  • Lithium: Sodium intake can affect lithium excretion; changes in sodium levels can alter lithium levels.
  • Diuretics (loop or thiazide): Can alter sodium and potassium balance, requiring careful monitoring and adjustment of IV fluid.
đŸŸĸ

Minor Interactions

  • Not typically categorized for minor interactions with IV fluids, as interactions are usually related to electrolyte balance.

Monitoring

đŸ”Ŧ

Baseline Monitoring

Serum Electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-)

Rationale: To assess baseline electrolyte status and guide initial dosing.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Renal Function (BUN, Serum Creatinine)

Rationale: To assess kidney's ability to excrete electrolytes and fluid, crucial for safe administration.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

Fluid Status (Vital Signs, I/O, Physical Exam)

Rationale: To assess hydration status and guide fluid volume and rate.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

Rationale: Especially important if significant potassium deficit or rapid correction is anticipated, due to cardiac effects of potassium.

Timing: Prior to initiation, particularly if K+ < 2.5 mEq/L or rapid infusion is planned.

📊

Routine Monitoring

Serum Electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-)

Frequency: Every 4-6 hours initially, then daily or as clinically indicated based on patient stability and infusion rate.

Target: Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L; Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; Chloride: 98-106 mEq/L

Action Threshold: Values outside normal range, especially K+ < 3.0 or > 5.5 mEq/L, or Na+ < 130 or > 150 mEq/L, require immediate assessment and intervention.

Fluid Balance (Intake and Output)

Frequency: Every 4-8 hours, or continuously.

Target: Appropriate balance for patient's condition (e.g., positive balance for dehydration, neutral for maintenance).

Action Threshold: Significant positive or negative balance, or unexpected changes in urine output.

Vital Signs (BP, HR, RR, Temp)

Frequency: Every 4 hours or more frequently as clinically indicated.

Target: Within patient's normal limits.

Action Threshold: Signs of fluid overload (hypertension, tachycardia, tachypnea) or dehydration (hypotension, tachycardia).

Physical Exam (Edema, Lung Sounds, Skin Turgor)

Frequency: Daily or as clinically indicated.

Target: Absence of peripheral or pulmonary edema, normal skin turgor.

Action Threshold: Development of new edema, crackles in lungs, or signs of worsening dehydration.

đŸ‘ī¸

Symptom Monitoring

  • Signs of hyperkalemia (muscle weakness, paresthesias, fatigue, bradycardia, ECG changes like peaked T waves, widened QRS)
  • Signs of hypokalemia (muscle weakness, cramps, constipation, arrhythmias, flattened T waves, U waves on ECG)
  • Signs of hypernatremia (thirst, lethargy, confusion, seizures, coma)
  • Signs of hyponatremia (headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, coma)
  • Signs of fluid overload (dyspnea, orthopnea, peripheral edema, jugular venous distension, crackles in lungs, weight gain)
  • Signs of fluid deficit (thirst, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output, poor skin turgor, orthostatic hypotension)

Special Patient Groups

🤰

Pregnancy

Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh risks. Careful monitoring of maternal fluid and electrolyte status is essential to prevent adverse effects on the fetus.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Risk of electrolyte imbalance or fluid overload in the mother could indirectly affect fetal development. Use with caution.
Second Trimester: Similar risks as first trimester. Careful monitoring is key.
Third Trimester: Risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance in the mother, which can impact fetal well-being. Close monitoring of maternal and fetal status is required, especially near term.
🤱

Lactation

Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when administered appropriately and maternal electrolyte levels are within normal range. Electrolytes are natural components of breast milk.

Infant Risk: Low risk to infant if maternal levels are well-controlled. Monitor infant for any signs of electrolyte imbalance if maternal levels are significantly altered or if large volumes are administered.
đŸ‘ļ

Pediatric Use

Requires extreme caution and precise dosing based on body weight, surface area, and specific electrolyte deficits. Pediatric patients, especially neonates and infants, have immature renal function and are highly susceptible to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Frequent monitoring of electrolytes, fluid balance, and vital signs is critical.

👴

Geriatric Use

Increased risk of fluid overload and electrolyte imbalances (especially hyperkalemia due to age-related decline in renal function). Geriatric patients may have comorbidities (e.g., heart failure, renal impairment) and be on medications that affect fluid and electrolyte balance. Close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, and fluid status is essential.

Clinical Information

💎

Clinical Pearls

  • Always verify the concentration of potassium chloride before administration; errors in concentration can be fatal.
  • Potassium should generally not be administered at a rate exceeding 10-20 mEq/hour in peripheral veins; higher rates require central venous access and continuous cardiac monitoring.
  • Never administer potassium chloride as an IV push; it must always be diluted and infused slowly.
  • Assess renal function (BUN, creatinine, urine output) before and during potassium administration, as impaired renal function significantly increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
  • Monitor serum electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium) frequently, particularly during initiation of therapy and with changes in infusion rate or patient condition.
  • Carefully monitor fluid balance (intake and output, daily weights, physical exam for edema/dehydration) to prevent fluid overload or persistent dehydration.
  • Be aware of drug interactions that can affect potassium or sodium levels (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics).
  • This solution is typically used to correct existing deficits or for maintenance in patients unable to take oral fluids/electrolytes; it is not a primary source of nutrition.
🔄

Alternative Therapies

  • Oral rehydration solutions (for mild to moderate dehydration/electrolyte imbalance)
  • Specific electrolyte supplements (e.g., oral potassium chloride, oral sodium chloride tablets)
  • Other intravenous fluid types (e.g., Dextrose solutions, Plasma-Lyte)
💰

Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Typically low cost, ranging from $5-$20 per 1000ml bag
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 (covered by most insurance plans as a standard hospital supply)
📚

General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not improve or worsen over time, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance.

To ensure safe use, do not share your medication with others, and never take someone else's medication. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion.

Proper disposal of unused or expired medications is crucial. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist for guidance. Many communities have drug take-back programs that provide a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted medications.

Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist to see if this applies to your prescription. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it was taken, as this will aid in providing appropriate treatment.