Potassium Chloride — Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Potassium Chloride is an active pharmaceutical ingredient found in 302 FDA-approved drug products. Forms: INJECTABLE, SOLUTION, CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE, FOR SOLUTION, TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE. Routes: INJECTION, IRRIGATION, ORAL, PERFUSION, CARDIAC

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Potassium Chloride (302 brand names, 11 dosage forms, 6 routes)

Available dosage forms: INJECTABLE, SOLUTION, CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE, FOR SOLUTION, TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE, FOR SUSPENSION, SOLUTION; ORAL AND TABLET; DELAYED RELEASE, TABLET, EMULSION, FOR SOLUTION, TABLET, DELAYED RELEASE, FOR SUSPENSION, EXTENDED RELEASE.

Routes of administration: INJECTION, IRRIGATION, ORAL, PERFUSION, CARDIAC, INTRATHECAL, INTRAVENOUS.

Brand Names

  • ACETATED RINGER’S IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN 8.5% W/ELECTROLYTES
  • AMINOSYN II 10% W/ ELECTROLYTES
  • AMINOSYN II 3.5% M
  • AMINOSYN II 3.5% M IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 3.5% W/ ELECTROLYTES IN DEXTROSE 25% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 3.5% W/ ELECTROLYTES IN DEXTROSE 25% W/ CALCIUM IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 4.25% M IN DEXTROSE 10% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 4.25% W/ ELECT AND ADJUSTED PHOSPHATE IN DEXTROSE 10% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 4.25% W/ ELECTROLYTES IN DEXTROSE 20% W/ CALCIUM IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 4.25% W/ ELECTROLYTES IN DEXTROSE 25% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 4.25% W/ ELECTROLYTES IN DEXTROSE 25% W/ CALCIUM IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 5% W/ ELECTROLYTES IN DEXTROSE 25% W/ CALCIUM IN PLASTIC CONTAINER
  • AMINOSYN II 7% W/ ELECTROLYTES
  • AMINOSYN II 8.5% W/ ELECTROLYTES
  • AMINOSYN II 8.5% W/ELECTROLYTES
  • BALANCED SALT
  • BSS
  • BSS PLUS
  • CARDIOPLEGIC IN PLASTIC CONTAINER …and 282 more

Indications and Usage

Potassium Chloride for Injection Concentrate, USP is indicated in the treatment of potassium deficiency states when oral replacement is not feasible.

Dosage and Administration

Potassium Chloride for Injection Concentrate, USP must be diluted before administration. Care must be taken to ensure there is complete mixing of the potassium chloride with the large volume fluid, particularly if soft or bag type containers are used. The dose and rate of administration are dependent upon the specific condition of each patient. If the serum potassium level is greater than 2.5 mEq/liter, potassium can be given at a rate not to exceed 10 mEq/hour in a concentration of up to 40 mEq/liter. The 24-hour total dose should not exceed 200 mEq. If urgent treatment is indicated (serum potassium level less than 2.0 mEq/liter with electrocardiographic changes and/or muscle paralysis) potassium chloride may be infused very cautiously at a rate of up to 40 mEq/hour. In such cases, continuous cardiac monitoring is essential. As much as 400 mEq may be administered in a 24 hour period. In critical conditions, potassium chloride may be administered in saline (unless contraindicated), rather than in dextrose containing fluids, as dextrose may lower serum potassium levels. Prior to entering vial, remove the metal seal and cleanse the rubber closure with a suitable antiseptic agent. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration, whenever solution and container permit. TO PREVENT NEEDLE-STICK INJURIES, NEEDLES SHOULD NOT BE RECAPPED, PURPOSELY BENT, OR BROKEN BY HAND.

Contraindications

Potassium Chloride for Injection Concentrate, USP is contraindicated in diseases where high potassium levels may be encountered, and in patients with hyperkalemia, renal failure and in conditions in which potassium retention is present.

Adverse Reactions

Reactions which may occur because of the solution or the technique of administration include febrile response, infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection, extravasation, hypervolemia, and hyperkalemia. Too rapid infusion of hypertonic solutions may cause local pain and, rarely, vein irritation. Rate of administration should be adjusted according to tolerance. Reactions reported with the use of potassium-containing solutions include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The signs and symptoms of potassium intoxication include paresthesias of the extremities, areflexia, muscular or respiratory paralysis, mental confusion, weakness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, electrocardiographic abnormalities and cardiac arrest. Potassium deficits result in disruption of neuromuscular function, and intestinal ileus and dilatation. If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if deemed necessary.

Overdosage

In the event of fluid overload during parenteral therapy, re-evaluate the patient’s condition, and institute appropriate corrective treatment. In the event of overdosage with potassium-containing solutions, discontinue the infusion immediately, and institute corrective therapy to reduce serum potassium levels. Treatment of hyperkalemia includes the following: 1.Dextrose Injection USP, 10% or 25%, containing 10 units of crystalline insulin per 20 grams of dextrose administered intravenously, at a rate of 300 to 500 mL per hour. 2.Absorption and exchange of potassium using sodium or ammonium cycle cation exchange resin, orally and as retention enema. 3.Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The use of potassium-containing foods or medications must be eliminated. However, in cases of digitalization, too rapid a lowering of plasma potassium concentration can cause digitalis toxicity.

⚠ Caution
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.