Get your patient on Potassium Chloride - Potassium Chloride injection (Potassium Chloride)
Potassium Chloride - Potassium Chloride injection prescribing information
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.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lambda Therapeutics Limited at 1-855-642-2594 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
DESCRIPTION
Potassium Chloride for Injection Concentrate, USP, is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, concentrated solution of potassium chloride, USP in water for injection administered by intravenous infusion only after dilution in a larger volume of fluid. They are provided in the following variety of concentrations and sizes comprising a choice of single-dose containers, all designed to provide the commonly prescribed amounts of potassium chloride for single-dose infusion after dilution in suitable large volume parenterals.
• May contain hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment. | |||
| Additive Solution • (conc. & size) | K+ mEq/mL | KCl mg/mL | mOsmol/mL (calc.) |
| 20 mEq/10 mL | 2 | 149 | 4 |
| 40 mEq/20 mL | 2 | 149 | 4 |
The solutions contain no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer (except for pH adjustment) and each is intended only for single-dose injection (after dilution). When smaller doses are required, discard the unused portion. The pH is 4.6 (4.0 to 8.0).
Potassium Chloride for Injection Concentrate, USP (appropriately diluted) is a parenteral fluid and electrolyte replenisher.
Potassium Chloride, USP is chemically designated KCl, a white granular powder freely soluble in water.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Potassium is the chief cation of body cells (160 mEq/liter of intracellular water) and is concerned with the maintenance of body fluid composition and electrolyte balance. Potassium participates in carbohydrate utilization and protein synthesis, and is critical in the regulation of nerve conduction and muscle contraction, particularly in the heart. Chloride, the major extracellular anion, closely follows the metabolism of sodium, and changes in the acid-base balance of the body are reflected by changes in the chloride concentration.
Normally about 80 to 90% of the potassium intake is excreted in the urine, the remainder in the stools and, to a small extent, in perspiration. The kidney does not conserve potassium well so that during fasting, or in patients on a potassium-free diet, potassium loss from the body continues, resulting in potassium depletion. A deficiency of either potassium or chloride will lead to a deficit of the other.
HOW SUPPLIED
Potassium Chloride for Injection Concentrate, USP, is supplied in single-dose containers as follows:
| Unit of Sale | Concentration |
| NDC 14789-136-05 Tray of 25 single-dose containers | 20 mEq/10 mL (2 mEq/mL) |
| NDC 14789-137-05 Tray of 25 single-dose containers | 40 mEq/20 mL (2 mEq/mL) |
Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]
Container closure was not made with natural rubber latex.
Manufactured in the USA by: Nexus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Lincolnshire
KCVPI01R02 Revised: 3/2023