POTASSIUM CHLORIDE

Potassium supplement

Dosage Forms

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Sterile concentrate for dilution for injection

150 mg/ml

Solution for injection

10%

Tablet

600 mg

Uses

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  • Management of potassium depletion
  • Prevention of hypokalaemia
  • Management of electrolyte imbalances

Dose and Duration

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Management of potassium depletion

Adult: by slow IV infusion, 3000-7500 mg daily in divided doses after meals

Prevention of hypokalaemia

Adult: by slow IV infusion, 2000-4000 mg daily in divided doses after meals

Management of electrolyte imbalances

Adult and child: By slow IV infusion over 2-3 hours, depending on deficit or daily maintenance requirements. Maximum dose 150-225 mg/kg body weight in 24 hours

Preparation

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  • Dilute the concentrate with NOT less than 50 times its volume of 0.9% sodium chloride and mix well

Contraindications

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  • Plasma potassium concentration above 5 mmol/litre
  • Hyperchloraemia
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Addison’s disease
  • Acute dehydration
  • Heat cramps

Side Effects

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  • Hyperkalaemia
  • Cardiac toxicity on rapid infusion
  • Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence

Interactions

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  • Amiloride (increased risk of hyperkalaemia)
  • Ciclosporin (increased risk of hyperkalaemia)
  • Enalapril (increased risk of severe hyperkalaemia)
  • Spironolactone (risk of hyperkalaemia)

Pregnancy

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  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

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  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

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  • Only administer IV potassium chloride when sufficient potassium cannot be taken by mouth
  • Rapid infusion is toxic to the heart
  • Using concentrated solution can cause instant cardiac arrest
  • Avoid routine use in moderate renal failure due to high risk of hyperkalaemia
  • Initial IV potassium should not involve glucose infusions, because glucose may cause a further decrease in the plasma potassium concentration
  • Administer with caution in patients with cardiac disease