Potassium Chloride 15%

Sterile, Clear, Colourless, Concentrated

Injection Solution (IV)

Dosage Form

50 ml single dose vial for IV injection.

Drug Classification and Categories

Electrolyte replacement.

Dosage and Administration

The goal of potassium replacement therapy is to elevate the plasma concentration of the ion to the normal range.

Dose per hour: The maximal rate of intravenous infusion is 20 mmol/hour.

Dose per day: Since the normal dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mmol daily, it is rare that a larger amount becomes required during potassium replacement therapy

Administer intravenously only after dilution in a suitable solution, up to a maximum concentration of 3 g/l of potassium chloride (or 40 mmol/l of potassium).

Indications

          •        Prevention and treatment of moderate to severe potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) in cases where oral replacement is not possible.

          •        Intravenous injection of KCl with insulin and dextrose is used at early stages of suspected acute myocardial infarction

          •        Treatment arrhythmias caused by cardiac glycoside poisoning and thallium and digoxin

          •        Treatment of severe hypokalemia

Warnings

Direct injection of potassium chloride concentrates without appropriate dilution may cause instant death.

Side Effects

Hyperkalemia, tingling of the extremities, muscle weakness, muscle paralysis, cardiac toxicity, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, nausea, blood clot inside a blood vessel (venous thrombosis), hyperchloraemia, acidosis, vomiting, diarrhea, skin reactions at the injection site.

Contraindications

In cases of increased serum potassium concentration or hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, renal failure, adrenal glands insufficiency and potassium retention, oliguria or azotemia, anuria, systemic acidosis, Crush syndrome, acute hemolytic reactions, untreated Addison’s disease, acute dehydration, heat cramps, severe burns, and when taking potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene.

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy Category C

There are no adequate data from the use of potassium chloride injection in lactating women. It is unknown if the drug is excreted in human milk.

Precautions

          •        ECG and urinary flow should be used throughout administration and monitored continuously.

          •        High concentrations of potassium cause serious cardiotoxicity, so the concentration of the solution should not exceed 3 g and the diluted solution given slowly

          •        Potassium should be used with extreme caution in patient with heart and renal insufficiency.

          •        Initially do not use with glucose infusions - glucose may further decrease potassium levels in concurrent treatment.

Drug Interactions

Diuretics: amiloride, spironolactone and triamterene, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II antagonists, aliskerin, corticosteroids or corrticotropin, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, glucose infusions.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C and protect from freezing. The solution is clear, colorless and free of suspended particles do not use unless the solution is clear and seal is intact. Discard unused portion.

Packaging

Each box contains 50 vials with a volume of 50 ml and leaflets.