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KCL100 ml
Opsonin Pharma Ltd.
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Generic medicine
Potassium Chloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Established / FDA-Approved Uses Treatment of hypokalemia (low blood potassium) — Potassium Chloride is indicated for patients found to have hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis and more.
About Potassium Chloride
Indications of Potassium Chloride
Established / FDA-Approved Uses
- Treatment of hypokalemia (low blood potassium) — Potassium Chloride is indicated for patients found to have hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, including cases due to diuretic therapy, vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate dietary intake.
- Prevention of hypokalemia in patients at high risk of developing low potassium levels, such as those receiving potassium-losing (non-potassium-sparing) diuretics, digitalis therapy, or with conditions causing excessive potassium loss.
Guideline-Supported / Adjunct Uses
- As an adjunct in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis once insulin therapy has been initiated and serum potassium has started to fall.
- Correction of hypokalemia in patients on digoxin therapy, since low potassium increases the risk of digitalis toxicity.
Potassium Chloride is not indicated for patients who are not potassium-deficient, and routine potassium supplementation is not recommended for all diuretic users without documented or anticipated hypokalemia.
Dosage & Administration of Potassium Chloride
Dosage by Indication
| Indication | Adult Dose | Pediatric Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention of hypokalemia | 16–24 mEq/day orally in divided doses | 1 mEq/kg/day or per physician's calculation based on body surface area/weight |
| Treatment of hypokalemia | 40–100 mEq/day orally in divided doses, adjusted to serum potassium and clinical response | 2–4 mEq/kg/day orally in divided doses, under close monitoring; not to exceed adult dose |
| Severe hypokalemia / unable to tolerate oral (IV) | Intravenous infusion, diluted, typically 10 mEq/hour (up to 20 mEq/hour with continuous cardiac monitoring in an intensive care setting) | Intravenous infusion strictly individualized under specialist supervision, based on weight and serum potassium, with continuous cardiac monitoring |
Administration Instructions
- Oral extended-release tablets/capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water or other liquid, taken with or immediately after meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve extended-release forms.
- Oral powders/effervescent tablets/liquids should be completely dissolved in the recommended volume of water or juice and consumed slowly with meals.
- Potassium Chloride for injection must NEVER be given undiluted or as an intravenous (IV) push/bolus — it must always be diluted in an appropriate intravenous fluid and administered as a slow infusion with continuous cardiac (ECG) monitoring, as rapid or concentrated administration can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Dose and duration must be individualized to the patient's serum potassium level, underlying cause of deficit, renal function, and clinical response, under the direction of a physician.
Side Effects of Potassium Chloride
Common Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal discomfort/pain
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Flatulence
Serious Side Effects (seek medical attention)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation (rare, mainly with solid oral dosage forms)
- Signs of hyperkalemia: tingling/numbness in hands, feet, or lips; muscle weakness or paralysis; irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or slow heart rate
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the intravenous injection site (with IV administration)
Patients experiencing any signs of hyperkalemia while taking Potassium Chloride should seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications of Potassium Chloride
Potassium Chloride is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:
- Known hypersensitivity to potassium chloride or any component of the formulation.
- Hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium) of any cause.
- Severe renal impairment with oliguria, anuria, or azotemia, in which potassium excretion is markedly impaired.
- Untreated Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency), due to impaired potassium excretion.
- Conditions associated with extensive tissue breakdown, such as severe burns, which predispose to hyperkalemia.
- Acute dehydration and heat cramps.
- Solid oral dosage forms of Potassium Chloride are additionally contraindicated in patients with conditions that cause delay, blockage, or arrest of tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., structural, pathological, or pharmacologic causes of GI obstruction or delayed transit).
Frequently Asked Questions about Potassium Chloride
What is Potassium Chloride used for?
Potassium Chloride is used to prevent and treat low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can occur due to diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate dietary intake.
Can I crush or chew Potassium Chloride tablets?
No. Extended-release Potassium Chloride tablets/capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and taken with food; crushing or chewing can cause a rapid release of potassium and increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration.
Is it safe to take Potassium Chloride during pregnancy?
Potassium Chloride may be used during pregnancy when clinically needed to correct a documented potassium deficiency, but only under medical supervision with appropriate monitoring, as both low and high potassium levels can be harmful. Always consult a physician before use during pregnancy.
What are the signs of too much potassium (hyperkalemia) from Potassium Chloride?
Signs of hyperkalemia from Potassium Chloride include tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or lips, muscle weakness or paralysis, and an irregular or slow heartbeat. This is a medical emergency — seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Who should not take Potassium Chloride?
Potassium Chloride should not be used by patients with hyperkalemia, severe kidney impairment with reduced urine output, untreated Addison's disease, severe burns or major tissue injury, or known hypersensitivity to the medicine; solid oral forms should also be avoided in patients with conditions that delay or block passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
Can Potassium Chloride be given as an intravenous injection directly?
No. Intravenous Potassium Chloride must always be diluted and given as a slow infusion with cardiac monitoring. Giving it undiluted or as a rapid injection can cause fatal heart rhythm problems and cardiac arrest, so it is only administered by trained healthcare professionals in a monitored setting.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.