Generic Name:

Potassium Chloride

Trade Name:

Action:

Electrolyte replacement

Indications:

Hypokalemia

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

10-40 mEq IV based on patients' condition and serum potassium level

RATE: Do not exceed 10mEq/hr

Standard Concentrations:

Central:

20mEq/100ml

Peripheral:

80 mEq /1000 ml
40mEq/500ml
20mEq/250ml

Special Considerations:

-Cardiac monitoring for cumulative potassium infusion rates greater than 10 mEq/hr

- Must be infused on mechanical infusion device.

- Monitor serum potassium levels

- Titrate cautiously in patients with renal failure

- All other sources of supplemental potassium medications such as; TPN, IV maintenance fluids and oral supplemental, etc must be evaluated for use while administering potassium

Precautions and Side Effects:

- POTASSIUM BOLUS MAY CAUSE CARDIAC ARREST

- EKG changes, widening of QRS, peaked T waves

- Phlebitis