Pot Chloride 20meq Inj, 100ml
It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
Drug Class
Electrolyte replacement
Pharmacologic Class
Electrolyte; Potassium supplement
Pregnancy Category
C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Potassium chloride injection is a medicine given through a vein to replace potassium in your body. Potassium is a very important mineral that helps your heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. It's used when your potassium levels are too low, which can happen due to certain medical conditions, medications, or severe fluid loss.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully. This medication is administered as an infusion into a vein over a specified period.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to receive guidance on the next steps to take.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully. This medication is administered as an infusion into a vein over a specified period.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
If you need to store this medication at home, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the proper storage procedure.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to receive guidance on the next steps to take.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Report any unusual symptoms immediately, such as muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, or a slow/irregular heartbeat.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, as some can interact with potassium.
- Follow dietary recommendations provided by your doctor or dietitian, especially regarding potassium-rich foods, as your diet may need to be adjusted based on your potassium levels.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 30ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl 0.15/0.9 Inj , 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl .15/.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 20ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 10ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 20ml
- Pot Chl/nacl 0.15/.45% Inj, 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/lr 0.15% Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chloride 20meq Inj, 100ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl 0.3/0.45 Inj, 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl .075/.45 Inj, 1000ml
- Kcl/d5w/nacl 0.15/0.2 Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chl/dextrose 5%/nacl0.45% Inj
- Potassium Chloride ER 8meq Tablets
- Potassium Cl 10meq ER Tablets
- Potassium Chloride ER 8meq ER Tabs
- Potassium Cl 10meq ER Capsules
- Potassium Chlor 10% Liq(20meq/15ml)
- Potassium Chlor 20% Liq(40meq/15ml)
- Potassium Cl Micro 10meq ER Tabs
- Pot Chloride 8meq CR Capsules
- Potassium Chloride 20meq Powder Pkt
- Potassium Cl Micro 10meq ER Tabs
- Potassium Cit ER 1620mg (15meq) Tab
- Potassium Cl Micro 10meq ER Tabs
- Potassium Chl 40meq Inj, 100ml
- Potassium Chloride 10meq Inj, 50ml
- Potassium Chloride 20meq Inj, 50ml
- Potassium Chloride 10meq ER Tablets
- Kcl/d5w/lact 20meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Potassium Chloride 20meq ER Tablets
- Potassium Cl 20meq ER Tablets
- Potassium Chloride 20meqpowder Pkt
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 250ml
- Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 50ml
- Potassium Chl 10meq Inj,100ml
- Pot Chl/nacl 40meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chl/d5w 20meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Pot Chl/d5w 10meq/l Inj, 1000ml
- Potassium Chlor/nacl 20meq/l Inj
- Potassium Chloride 15meq ER Tabs
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Individualized based on serum potassium levels and clinical condition. Typically, for hypokalemia, 10-20 mEq/hour, not to exceed 40 mEq/hour or 200-400 mEq/day. For severe hypokalemia or cardiac arrest, higher doses may be used with continuous ECG monitoring.
Dose Range:
10 - 400 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
hypokalemia_mild_moderate:
20-40 mEq IV over 2-4 hours, repeated as needed. Max infusion rate 10-20 mEq/hour.
hypokalemia_severe:
40-100 mEq IV over 2-10 hours, with continuous ECG monitoring. Max infusion rate 40 mEq/hour.
cardiac_arrest:
Specific ACLS protocols apply, typically 10 mEq IV push for hyperkalemia-induced arrest, but this is for hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. For hypokalemia-induced arrhythmias, rapid infusion of 10-20 mEq over 5-10 minutes may be considered with extreme caution and continuous monitoring.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours, max 3 mEq/kg/day. Max infusion rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hour.
Infant:
0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours, max 3 mEq/kg/day. Max infusion rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hour.
Child:
0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours, max 3 mEq/kg/day. Max infusion rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hour (or 1 mEq/kg/hour in severe cases with continuous ECG).
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing, individualized based on serum potassium and clinical status. Max infusion rate 10-20 mEq/hour.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; monitor serum potassium closely.
Moderate:
Reduce dose and/or frequency; monitor serum potassium and renal function closely. Avoid if possible.
Severe:
Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (e.g., anuria, oliguria) due to risk of hyperkalemia. If absolutely necessary, use extremely low doses with continuous ECG and frequent potassium monitoring.
Dialysis:
Generally contraindicated in patients with anuria or severe oliguria. May be required post-dialysis if hypokalemic, but careful monitoring is essential.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed.
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Potassium is the major intracellular cation and is essential for the maintenance of acid-base balance, isotonicity, and electrodynamic characteristics of the cell. It is involved in nerve impulse transmission, contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle, and maintenance of normal renal function. Potassium also plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
100% (IV administration)
Tmax:
Not applicable (immediate effect with IV)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (IV administration)
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.5 L/kg (reflects total body water)
ProteinBinding:
Not protein bound
CnssPenetration:
Limited (maintained at low concentrations in CSF)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (homeostatically regulated; rapid distribution and excretion)
Clearance:
Primarily renal clearance, regulated by aldosterone and acid-base status.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (primarily urine), small amounts in feces and sweat.
Unchanged:
100%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Immediate (IV)
PeakEffect:
Minutes (IV)
DurationOfAction:
Dependent on renal function and ongoing losses; homeostatically regulated.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate 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 high potassium levels, including:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Slow heartbeat
Chest pain or pressure
Signs of low sodium levels, such as:
+ Headache
+ Difficulty focusing
+ Memory problems
+ Confusion
+ Weakness
+ Seizures
+ Changes in balance
Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
* If the medication leaks from the vein, it may cause tissue damage. Inform your nurse immediately if you experience:
+ Redness
+ Burning
+ Pain
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
+ Skin sores
+ Leaking of fluid at the injection site
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help.
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, 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.
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate 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 high potassium levels, including:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Slow heartbeat
Chest pain or pressure
Signs of low sodium levels, such as:
+ Headache
+ Difficulty focusing
+ Memory problems
+ Confusion
+ Weakness
+ Seizures
+ Changes in balance
Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
* If the medication leaks from the vein, it may cause tissue damage. Inform your nurse immediately if you experience:
+ Redness
+ Burning
+ Pain
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
+ Skin sores
+ Leaking of fluid at the injection site
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. If you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help.
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, 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:
- Extreme muscle weakness or paralysis
- Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
- Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Anxiety
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.
If you have high potassium levels in your blood.
* If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, or Triamterene.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to disclose all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. This will enable your doctor and pharmacist to assess the safety of taking this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions.
Remember, do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
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.
If you have high potassium levels in your blood.
* If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, or Triamterene.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to disclose all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. This will enable your doctor and pharmacist to assess the safety of taking this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health conditions.
Remember, do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Regular blood tests will be necessary, as directed by your doctor, to monitor your condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor.
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, do not exceed the prescribed dosage. Taking more than the recommended amount may increase your chances of experiencing adverse reactions. If you follow a low-salt diet or use a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions.
Certain formulations of this medication may not be suitable for children, so it is crucial to consult with your doctor if you are considering administering this drug to a child.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to make an informed decision.
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, do not exceed the prescribed dosage. Taking more than the recommended amount may increase your chances of experiencing adverse reactions. If you follow a low-salt diet or use a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions.
Certain formulations of this medication may not be suitable for children, so it is crucial to consult with your doctor if you are considering administering this drug to a child.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor immediately. You and your doctor will need 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:
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
- Muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis
- Paresthesias (tingling, numbness)
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex, ventricular fibrillation, asystole)
- Cardiac arrest
What to Do:
Immediate cessation of potassium infusion. Administer calcium gluconate (to stabilize cardiac membrane), insulin and glucose (to shift potassium intracellularly), sodium bicarbonate (for acidosis), and/or beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol). Loop diuretics may be used if renal function is adequate. Hemodialysis may be necessary in severe, refractory cases, especially with renal failure. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene)
- Eplerenone
- Patients with hyperkalemia
Major Interactions
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril)
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Cyclosporine
- Tacrolimus
- Digoxin (increased risk of toxicity with hypokalemia, but hyperkalemia can also worsen toxicity)
Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers (non-selective)
- Heparin
- Succinylcholine
- Trimethoprim
- Pentamidine
Minor Interactions
- Licorice (can cause hypokalemia, counteracting potassium supplementation)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Rationale: To determine baseline deficit and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)
Rationale: Potassium is primarily renally excreted; impaired renal function increases risk of hyperkalemia.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Rationale: To assess for cardiac manifestations of hypokalemia (e.g., U waves, flattened T waves, prolonged QT) and establish baseline cardiac rhythm.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially for rapid or high-dose infusions.
Other Electrolytes (Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphate)
Rationale: Hypokalemia often coexists with other electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypomagnesemia, which can hinder potassium repletion.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Frequency: Every 2-4 hours during rapid infusion; every 4-6 hours or daily for maintenance, depending on clinical stability and renal function.
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: If K+ > 5.0 mEq/L, hold infusion and reassess. If K+ < 3.5 mEq/L, continue or adjust infusion rate as needed. If K+ > 6.0 mEq/L or ECG changes, initiate hyperkalemia treatment.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Frequency: Continuous monitoring during rapid or high-dose infusions; intermittent monitoring (e.g., daily) for stable patients.
Target: Normal sinus rhythm, absence of hyperkalemia signs (peaked T waves, prolonged PR, widened QRS).
Action Threshold: Any signs of hyperkalemia (peaked T waves, prolonged PR, widened QRS, bradycardia) require immediate cessation of infusion and intervention.
Fluid Balance (I&O)
Frequency: Every 4-8 hours.
Target: Appropriate balance for patient's condition.
Action Threshold: Significant positive or negative balance may indicate fluid overload/dehydration, affecting electrolyte concentrations.
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)
Frequency: Daily or every other day, especially in patients with impaired renal function.
Target: Stable within patient's baseline.
Action Threshold: Worsening renal function necessitates re-evaluation of potassium dosing.
Symptom Monitoring
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Paresthesias
- Bradycardia
- Arrhythmias (palpitations, irregular heartbeat)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Confusion
- Lethargy
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Potassium is an essential electrolyte. Replacement therapy is generally considered safe and necessary when indicated to correct hypokalemia in pregnant women. Close monitoring of serum potassium is crucial.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
No known specific risks beyond general electrolyte management.
Second Trimester:
No known specific risks beyond general electrolyte management.
Third Trimester:
No known specific risks beyond general electrolyte management.
Lactation
Potassium is a normal component of breast milk. Supplementation to correct maternal hypokalemia is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, as the amount transferred to breast milk is unlikely to cause adverse effects in the infant. Monitor infant for signs of hyperkalemia if maternal doses are very high or infant has renal impairment.
Infant Risk:
L1 (Safest)
Pediatric Use
Dosing is weight-based and requires careful calculation. Pediatric patients, especially neonates and infants, are more susceptible to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Close monitoring of serum potassium, renal function, and ECG is essential. Infusion rates should be slow and concentrations carefully chosen to avoid hyperkalemia and vein irritation.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may have age-related decline in renal function, increasing their risk of hyperkalemia. They may also be on multiple medications that interact with potassium (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs). Close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is particularly important in this population. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always dilute potassium chloride injection before intravenous administration. Never administer undiluted.
- Administer slowly. Rapid IV infusion can be fatal.
- Peripheral IV infusions should generally not exceed 10 mEq/hour and concentrations of 20-40 mEq/L to minimize vein irritation and phlebitis. Higher concentrations or rates require central venous access and continuous ECG monitoring.
- Correct hypomagnesemia concurrently, as magnesium is required for cellular potassium uptake and retention.
- Monitor serum potassium levels frequently, especially during initial therapy and in patients with impaired renal function or those receiving high doses.
- ECG monitoring is crucial, particularly with rapid infusions or in patients with severe hypokalemia or renal impairment, to detect signs of hyperkalemia or hypokalemia-induced arrhythmias.
- Patients with diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, or severe tissue trauma are at higher risk for hyperkalemia.
Alternative Therapies
- Oral potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride tablets, liquid)
- Dietary potassium intake (for mild hypokalemia or prevention)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
Low cost per 100ml vial
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Unless instructed otherwise, do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time of the incident.