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Potassium Chl 10meq Inj,100ml

Manufacturer ICU MEDICAL Active Ingredient Potassium Chloride Injection Solution(poe TASS ee um KLOR ide) Pronunciation Poe-TASS-ee-um KLOR-ide
It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
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Drug Class
Electrolyte Supplement
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Pharmacologic Class
Electrolyte Replacement; Potassium Salt
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Jan 1970
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Potassium chloride is a medicine given through an IV (into a vein) to replace potassium in your body. Potassium is a very important mineral that helps your heart, muscles, and nerves work correctly. It's used when your body doesn't have enough potassium, which can happen due to certain illnesses, medications, or not getting enough in your diet.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided to you. 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 what to do next.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in potassium (e.g., fruits, vegetables) once able to eat normally, to help prevent future deficiencies.
  • Report any symptoms like muscle weakness, tingling, or heart palpitations immediately.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Available Strengths:

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Individualized based on serum potassium levels and clinical condition. For mild to moderate hypokalemia: 10-20 mEq IV over 1-2 hours. For severe hypokalemia: up to 40 mEq/hour (requires continuous ECG monitoring and central venous access). Max daily dose typically 200-400 mEq.
Dose Range: 10 - 400 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

hypokalemia_mild_moderate: 10-20 mEq IV over 1-2 hours
hypokalemia_severe: Up to 40 mEq/hour (diluted, with continuous ECG monitoring and central line)
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established (use with extreme caution, individualized by neonatologist)
Infant: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose IV over 1-2 hours; Max 3 mEq/kg/day or 40 mEq/day, whichever is less. 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 or 40 mEq/day, whichever is less. Max infusion rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hour.
Adolescent: Similar to adult dosing, individualized based on weight and severity of hypokalemia.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor serum potassium and renal function closely.
Moderate: Reduce dose significantly or avoid; monitor serum potassium and renal function frequently. Risk of hyperkalemia increased.
Severe: Contraindicated in anuric patients or those with severe renal failure unless undergoing dialysis and serum potassium is critically low. Use with extreme caution and continuous monitoring if absolutely necessary.
Dialysis: Generally contraindicated in patients with end-stage renal disease not on dialysis. For patients on dialysis, administer only if serum potassium is low and under strict medical supervision, as dialysis removes potassium.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific dose adjustment required.
Moderate: No specific dose adjustment required, but monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
Severe: No specific dose adjustment required, but monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, especially if associated with renal dysfunction.

Pharmacology

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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 chloride provides potassium ions to replenish depleted body stores and restore normal intracellular and extracellular potassium concentrations.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: 100%
Tmax: Immediate (IV administration)
FoodEffect: Not applicable (IV administration)

Distribution:

Vd: Approximately 0.5 L/kg (total body water)
ProteinBinding: Negligible
CnssPenetration: Limited (as free ion, but crucial for CNS function)

Elimination:

HalfLife: Variable (depends on renal function and body's needs)
Clearance: Primarily renal clearance, highly regulated
ExcretionRoute: Renal (urine), small amounts in feces and sweat
Unchanged: 100%
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Rapid (within minutes of IV administration)
PeakEffect: Variable, depends on infusion rate and body's potassium deficit
DurationOfAction: Variable, depends on renal function and ongoing potassium losses

Safety & Warnings

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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
Tissue damage at the injection site, characterized by:
+ Redness
+ Burning
+ Pain
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
+ Skin sores
+ Leaking of fluid

If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your nurse or doctor immediately.

Other Possible Side Effects

As with any medication, you may experience side effects. While many people have no side effects or only mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any side effects that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance.

Reporting Side Effects

If you have questions or concerns about side effects, you can:

 Contact your doctor for medical advice
Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088
 Submit a report online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Extreme tiredness or weakness
  • Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
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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 allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
 If you have high potassium levels, as this may affect the safety of taking this medication.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, or Triamterene, as these may interact with this drug.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential drug interactions or health problems that may be relevant to your treatment with this medication.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about:

 All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
 Any health problems you have, as these may affect the safety or efficacy of this medication

Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so.
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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, it is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage and not exceed the amount recommended by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed dose can increase your chances of experiencing severe side effects.

If you follow a low-salt diet or use a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to discuss any potential interactions. Additionally, some formulations of this medication are not suitable for children, so it is essential to consult with your doctor if you are considering administering this medication 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 taking this medication to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
  • Muscle weakness, paralysis
  • Paresthesias (tingling, numbness)
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., peaked T waves, widened QRS, ventricular fibrillation, asystole)
  • Cardiac arrest

What to Do:

Immediate discontinuation of potassium infusion. Administration of calcium gluconate (to stabilize cardiac membrane), insulin and dextrose (to shift potassium intracellularly), sodium bicarbonate (to shift potassium intracellularly), loop diuretics (if renal function adequate), and/or potassium-binding resins (e.g., sodium polystyrene sulfonate). Hemodialysis may be required in severe, life-threatening cases, especially with renal failure. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) or seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene) in patients with normal renal function or hyperkalemia
  • Patients with hyperkalemia
  • Severe renal impairment (anuria, oliguria) unless undergoing dialysis
  • Addison's disease (untreated)
  • Acute dehydration
  • Extensive tissue breakdown (e.g., severe burns, rhabdomyolysis)
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Major Interactions

  • ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril)
  • Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan)
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Cyclosporine
  • Tacrolimus
  • Heparin
  • Succinylcholine
  • Digoxin (increased risk of toxicity with hypokalemia, but hyperkalemia can also cause toxicity)
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Moderate Interactions

  • Beta-blockers (may impair cellular potassium uptake)
  • Certain laxatives (chronic use can lead to potassium loss, requiring more potassium)
  • Insulin (can shift potassium intracellularly, transiently lowering serum levels)

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Serum Potassium (K+)

Rationale: To determine baseline potassium status 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 or pre-existing cardiac conditions; essential for rapid infusions.

Timing: Prior to initiation, especially if severe hypokalemia or rapid infusion is planned.

Other Electrolytes (Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphate)

Rationale: Deficiencies in other electrolytes (especially magnesium) can impair potassium repletion.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.

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Routine Monitoring

Serum Potassium (K+)

Frequency: Every 2-4 hours during rapid repletion; daily or as clinically indicated during maintenance.

Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L

Action Threshold: Below 3.5 mEq/L (continue repletion); Above 5.0 mEq/L (reduce or hold dose, investigate cause); Above 6.0 mEq/L (urgent intervention for hyperkalemia).

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Frequency: Continuous monitoring during rapid or high-dose infusions; periodically during maintenance.

Target: Normal sinus rhythm, absence of hyperkalemia/hypokalemia changes (e.g., peaked T waves, prolonged PR/QRS, flattened T waves, U waves).

Action Threshold: Any signs of hyperkalemia (peaked T waves, widened QRS, prolonged PR) or hypokalemia (flattened T waves, U waves, ST depression).

Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)

Frequency: Daily or as clinically indicated, especially in patients with impaired renal function.

Target: Within patient's baseline or normal limits.

Action Threshold: Significant worsening of renal function (e.g., rising creatinine) warrants dose adjustment or discontinuation.

Fluid Balance (I&O, weight)

Frequency: Daily

Target: Appropriate fluid balance.

Action Threshold: Significant fluid overload or dehydration.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Muscle weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Paresthesias
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Bradycardia
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Potassium is an essential electrolyte. If a pregnant woman has hypokalemia, potassium repletion is necessary for maternal and fetal health. Use during pregnancy should be based on clear clinical need and careful monitoring. Category C due to general classification of drugs where human data is limited, but essential nutrient replacement is generally considered safe when indicated.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: No specific risks identified beyond general electrolyte balance.
Second Trimester: No specific risks identified beyond general electrolyte balance.
Third Trimester: No specific risks identified beyond general electrolyte balance.
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Lactation

Potassium is naturally present in breast milk. Supplementation of potassium chloride to a lactating mother is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding when clinically indicated, as it is an essential electrolyte and unlikely to cause adverse effects in the infant at therapeutic doses.

Infant Risk: Low risk. Monitor infant for signs of electrolyte imbalance if mother is receiving very high doses, though unlikely to be clinically significant.
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Pediatric Use

Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight and severity of hypokalemia. Infusion rates must be slow and concentrations carefully controlled to avoid hyperkalemia. Continuous ECG monitoring is often recommended, especially for higher concentrations or faster rates. Renal function must be closely monitored.

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Geriatric Use

Elderly patients are at increased risk of renal impairment, which can significantly reduce potassium excretion and increase the risk of hyperkalemia. They may also be on medications that affect potassium levels (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics). Close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is essential. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • NEVER administer undiluted potassium chloride IV push. This can be FATAL.
  • Always dilute potassium chloride in a large volume of IV fluid (e.g., D5W, NS) before administration. Typical concentrations are 20-40 mEq/L.
  • Infusion rates should generally not exceed 10-20 mEq/hour in peripheral veins. Higher rates (up to 40 mEq/hour) require central venous access and continuous ECG monitoring.
  • Pain or irritation at the infusion site is common, especially with higher concentrations or peripheral administration. Consider diluting further or using a central line.
  • Hypomagnesemia often coexists with hypokalemia and can make potassium repletion difficult. Always check and replete magnesium if deficient.
  • Monitor ECG for signs of hyperkalemia (peaked T waves, widened QRS, prolonged PR) or hypokalemia (flattened T waves, U waves, ST depression).
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Alternative Therapies

  • Oral potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride tablets, liquid solutions) for mild to moderate hypokalemia or maintenance.
  • Dietary potassium intake (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, leafy greens) for prevention or mild cases.
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride) for certain conditions causing potassium loss (e.g., heart failure, cirrhosis) to conserve potassium.
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $5 - $20 per 100ml vial (10-20 mEq)
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 (Generic)
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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 or take someone else's medication. 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; do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist. If you are unsure about the proper disposal method, consult your pharmacist, as they can provide guidance on disposal procedures and inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist. 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 it was taken to ensure prompt and effective treatment.