Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 10ml
It is used to treat or prevent low potassium levels.
Drug Class
Electrolyte Supplement
Pharmacologic Class
Electrolyte
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Potassium chloride injection is a medicine given into a vein (intravenously) to treat or prevent low levels of potassium in your blood. Potassium is a very important mineral that your body needs for your heart, muscles, and nerves to work properly. This medicine helps to bring your potassium levels back to normal.
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 what to do next.
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 what to do next.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding diet, especially if you have conditions that affect potassium levels (e.g., kidney disease).
- Report any symptoms of muscle weakness, tingling, or irregular heartbeat immediately.
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:
For severe hypokalemia (serum K+ < 2.5 mEq/L) or symptomatic hypokalemia: 10-20 mEq/hour via peripheral IV, diluted to a concentration not exceeding 40 mEq/L. Max infusion rate typically 40 mEq/hour. Total daily dose usually 40-100 mEq, but can be higher in severe cases (up to 400 mEq/day) with continuous ECG and K+ monitoring.
Dose Range:
10 - 400 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
mild_hypokalemia:
Oral potassium supplementation preferred.
moderate_hypokalemia:
10-20 mEq/hour IV, diluted.
severe_hypokalemia:
20-40 mEq/hour IV, diluted, with continuous ECG monitoring.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose, infused over 1-2 hours. Max 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Max concentration 0.04 mEq/mL (40 mEq/L).
Infant:
0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose, infused over 1-2 hours. Max 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Max concentration 0.04 mEq/mL (40 mEq/L).
Child:
0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose, infused over 1-2 hours. Max 0.5 mEq/kg/hour. Max concentration 0.04 mEq/mL (40 mEq/L).
Adolescent:
Similar to adult dosing, but often weight-based (0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose) for initial correction, then adjusted based on response and serum potassium levels. Max 1 mEq/kg/hour or 40 mEq/hour, whichever is less.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
Use with caution; monitor serum potassium closely.
Moderate:
Reduce dose significantly or avoid if possible. Monitor serum potassium and ECG frequently. Consider alternative routes if appropriate.
Severe:
Generally contraindicated due to high risk of hyperkalemia. If absolutely necessary, administer with extreme caution, continuous ECG monitoring, and frequent serum potassium measurements.
Dialysis:
Contraindicated in anuric patients or those on dialysis unless specifically indicated for severe hypokalemia and under strict medical supervision with frequent monitoring.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific dose adjustment required.
Moderate:
No specific dose adjustment required.
Severe:
No specific dose adjustment required.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Potassium is the major intracellular cation and is essential for the maintenance of acid-base balance, isotonicity, and cell electrodynamic function. It is involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (including cardiac muscle), and maintenance of normal renal function. Potassium chloride injection provides an exogenous source of potassium to correct hypokalemia (low serum potassium levels) and restore normal physiological function.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
100% (intravenous administration)
Tmax:
Rapid (immediate distribution after IV infusion)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (IV administration)
Distribution:
Vd:
Approximately 0.5 L/kg (reflects total body water distribution)
ProteinBinding:
Negligible
CnssPenetration:
Limited (maintains concentration gradient)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (homeostatically regulated; excess rapidly excreted)
Clearance:
Highly variable, dependent on renal function and homeostatic needs.
ExcretionRoute:
Primarily renal (glomerular filtration and tubular secretion); small amounts in feces and sweat.
Unchanged:
100%
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Minutes (after initiation of IV infusion)
PeakEffect:
Variable, depends on infusion rate and severity of deficiency. Serum levels rise rapidly during infusion.
DurationOfAction:
Dependent on ongoing potassium losses and renal function; effect persists as long as infusion continues and body stores are replenished.
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 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 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:
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
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. To ensure your safety, 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. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication in combination with your other treatments.
Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting 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. To ensure your safety, 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. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication in combination with your other treatments.
Remember, do not start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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 dosage prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended amount can increase your chances of experiencing adverse reactions. If you follow a low-salt diet or use a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use of this medication.
Certain formulations of this product are not suitable for children, so it is crucial to consult with your doctor if you are considering administering this medication to a child.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or 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 dosage prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended amount can increase your chances of experiencing adverse reactions. If you follow a low-salt diet or use a salt substitute, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use of this medication.
Certain formulations of this product are not suitable for children, so it is crucial to consult with your doctor if you are considering administering this medication to a child.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or 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 leading to flaccid paralysis
- Paresthesias
- 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 medical attention is required. Treatment involves stopping potassium administration, administering calcium gluconate (to stabilize cardiac membrane), insulin and glucose (to shift potassium into cells), sodium bicarbonate, and/or loop diuretics. In severe cases, hemodialysis may be necessary. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) - concurrent use significantly increases risk of severe hyperkalemia.
- Eplerenone - concurrent use significantly increases risk of severe hyperkalemia.
Major Interactions
- ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril) - increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan) - increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) - may impair renal potassium excretion, increasing hyperkalemia risk.
- Cyclosporine - increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Tacrolimus - increased risk of hyperkalemia.
- Digoxin - hyperkalemia can reduce the therapeutic effect of digoxin; hypokalemia can potentiate digoxin toxicity.
Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers (non-selective) - may reduce cellular potassium uptake, potentially increasing serum potassium.
- Heparin - may cause hypoaldosteronism, leading to hyperkalemia.
- Succinylcholine - may cause a transient increase in serum potassium, especially in patients with pre-existing hyperkalemia or conditions predisposing to it.
Minor Interactions
- Licorice - may cause hypokalemia, potentially counteracting potassium supplementation.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Rationale: To determine the severity of hypokalemia 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, ST depression) and establish a baseline for monitoring hyperkalemia risk.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in severe hypokalemia or rapid infusion.
Other Electrolytes (Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphate)
Rationale: Hypokalemia often coexists with other electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypomagnesemia, which can make potassium repletion difficult.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Serum Potassium (K+)
Frequency: Every 2-4 hours during rapid infusion or severe hypokalemia; then every 6-12 hours or daily once stable.
Target: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Action Threshold: If K+ > 5.0 mEq/L, decrease or stop infusion; if K+ < 3.5 mEq/L, continue or adjust infusion rate.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Frequency: Continuous monitoring during rapid infusion or in patients with severe hypokalemia/hyperkalemia risk; otherwise, daily or as clinically indicated.
Target: Normal sinus rhythm, absence of hyperkalemia signs (peaked T waves, prolonged PR, widened QRS).
Action Threshold: Any signs of hyperkalemia (peaked T waves, QRS widening) require immediate cessation of infusion and intervention.
Renal Function (BUN, Creatinine)
Frequency: Daily or every other day, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those receiving prolonged therapy.
Target: Stable within patient's baseline.
Action Threshold: Significant worsening of renal function warrants re-evaluation of potassium dosing.
Fluid Balance (Intake/Output)
Frequency: Daily
Target: Appropriate balance for patient's condition.
Action Threshold: Significant fluid retention or dehydration may impact electrolyte concentrations.
Symptom Monitoring
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Paresthesias (tingling or numbness)
- Flaccid paralysis
- Bradycardia
- Arrhythmias (palpitations, irregular heartbeat)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Potassium is an essential electrolyte. Potassium chloride injection is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when indicated for the treatment of hypokalemia, as maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial for maternal and fetal health. Dosing should be carefully monitored to avoid hyperkalemia.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
No known increased risk of congenital malformations.
Second Trimester:
No known specific risks.
Third Trimester:
No known specific risks.
Lactation
Potassium is a normal component of breast milk. Administration of potassium chloride to a lactating mother is generally considered safe, as it is an essential electrolyte and is not expected to cause adverse effects in the breastfed infant when maternal levels are within the therapeutic range.
Infant Risk:
Low risk (L1)
Pediatric Use
Use with extreme caution. Dosing is weight-based and requires careful calculation and dilution. Infusion rates must be slow, and continuous ECG and frequent serum potassium monitoring are essential due to the higher risk of hyperkalemia and cardiac toxicity in children.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients are at increased risk of renal impairment, which can lead to reduced potassium excretion and an increased risk of hyperkalemia. Close monitoring of renal function, serum potassium, and ECG is crucial. Start with lower doses and titrate carefully.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- NEVER administer undiluted potassium chloride injection directly into a vein. It must always be diluted in a large volume of IV fluid (e.g., D5W, NS) before administration.
- The maximum recommended concentration for peripheral IV infusion is typically 40 mEq/L. Higher concentrations (up to 80 mEq/L) may be used via central venous access with extreme caution and continuous cardiac monitoring.
- The maximum recommended infusion rate is generally 10-20 mEq/hour for routine replacement, and up to 40 mEq/hour in severe, life-threatening hypokalemia, always with continuous ECG monitoring.
- Rapid infusion of potassium can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Administer slowly and never as an IV push.
- Always correct hypomagnesemia before or concurrently with hypokalemia, as magnesium is required for cellular potassium uptake and retention.
- Monitor serum potassium levels frequently (e.g., every 2-4 hours during rapid correction) and adjust the infusion rate as needed.
- Monitor ECG for signs of hyperkalemia (peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, widened QRS complex) or persistent hypokalemia (flattened T waves, U waves).
Alternative Therapies
- Oral potassium chloride supplements (for mild to moderate hypokalemia)
- Dietary potassium intake (for prevention or mild cases)
- Potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges, potatoes, leafy greens)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 10mL vial (20 mEq)
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 to do so by a healthcare professional, avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring 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 it was taken to ensure prompt and effective treatment.