Potassium Cl 2meq/ml Inj 250ml

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 (especially cardiac muscle), and carbohydrate metabolism. Potassium chloride provides potassium ions to correct hypokalemia and chloride ions to correct associated hypochloremia.

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

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you have 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, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

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 and its symptoms.
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 interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to:

Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
Discuss all your health problems with your doctor to determine if it is safe for you to take this medication.
Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to avoid potential interactions or adverse effects.

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. 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 essential to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to make an informed decision about your treatment.

• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene) in patients with hyperkalemia or significant renal impairment
• Patients with hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.0 mEq/L)
• Severe renal impairment (anuria, oliguria) unless on dialysis
• Addison's disease (untreated)
• Acute dehydration
• Extensive tissue breakdown (e.g., severe burns, rhabdomyolysis) where hyperkalemia is a risk

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril): Increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., valsartan, losartan): Increased risk of hyperkalemia
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May impair renal potassium excretion, increasing hyperkalemia risk
• Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus: May increase serum potassium levels
• Heparin: Can cause hypoaldosteronism, leading to hyperkalemia
• Beta-blockers (non-selective): May impair cellular potassium uptake, increasing serum potassium

• Digoxin: Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity; hyperkalemia can reduce digoxin efficacy.
• Insulin: Drives potassium into cells, potentially causing transient hypokalemia (relevant during DKA treatment).
• Corticosteroids: May increase renal potassium excretion, potentially requiring higher potassium doses.

• Laxatives (chronic use): May increase potassium loss from GI tract.

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Paresthesias (tingling, numbness)
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension
• Decreased bowel sounds (ileus)
• Confusion or altered mental status

Potassium is an essential electrolyte. Replacement therapy is indicated when hypokalemia occurs during pregnancy. Use with caution and monitor serum levels closely. Category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Potassium is a normal component of breast milk. Excretion into breast milk is expected but unlikely to cause adverse effects in a healthy, full-term infant when administered to the mother in therapeutic doses. Monitor infant for signs of electrolyte imbalance if mother receives high doses.

Dosing must be carefully calculated based on weight, age, and severity of hypokalemia. Infusion rates and concentrations must be strictly adhered to, as children are more susceptible to the adverse effects of hyperkalemia. Continuous ECG monitoring is often recommended for moderate to severe hypokalemia.

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

• NEVER administer concentrated potassium chloride (e.g., 2 mEq/mL) undiluted or as an IV push. This is a lethal dose and can cause immediate cardiac arrest.
• Always dilute potassium chloride concentrate in a large volume of IV fluid (e.g., D5W, NS) before administration.
• Maximum recommended peripheral infusion concentration is typically 40 mEq/L. Higher concentrations (up to 60-80 mEq/L) may be used via central venous access with continuous cardiac monitoring.
• Maximum infusion rate should generally not exceed 10-20 mEq/hour in adults, except in life-threatening situations with continuous ECG monitoring and close supervision.
• Rapid infusion can cause local pain and phlebitis at the injection site. Use a large vein and ensure proper dilution.
• Always correct hypomagnesemia before or concurrently with potassium repletion, as magnesium is required for cellular potassium uptake.
• Monitor serum potassium, renal function, and ECG frequently during potassium replacement therapy.
• Patients with renal impairment are at significantly higher risk of hyperkalemia; dose adjustments are crucial.
• Be aware of drug interactions that can increase serum potassium (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs).

• Oral potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride tablets, liquid solutions) for mild to moderate hypokalemia or maintenance.
• Dietary modifications (increasing intake of potassium-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and certain dairy products) for mild hypokalemia or prevention.

If your symptoms or health problems persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. 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, do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain. If you are unsure about the proper 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 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.