Generic Name:

Potassium Chloride

Trade Name:

Action:

Electrolyte replacement

Indications:

Hypokalemia
Alkalosis

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

5 - 20 mEq / hour IV based on patients' condition and serum potassium level

Standard Concentrations:

Central:

20mEq/100ml
40mEq/100ml

Maximum single dose : via syringe based, variable flow, continuous microinfusion pump (E.g. havard dual channel pump): 20 mEq / 20 ml (Restricted to Ellison 4, Blake 8 and PICU, Ellison 9, MICU, Bigelow 13.)

Peripheral:

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

EW Standard

Central:

20mEq/100ml
40mEq/100ml

Peripheral:

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

Special Considerations:

- With concentrated syringe infusions, no more than 20 mEq should be hung at one time.

- EKG monitoring for concentrated mixes or rates greater than 10 mEq / hour.

- Must be infused on mechanical infusion device.

- Monitor serum potassium levels

- Titrate cautiously in patients with renal failure

- Total additive potassium infusion must be considered when administering potassium (e.g. potassium contained in TPNs).

Precautions and Side Effects:

- POTASSIUM BOLUS MAY CAUSE CARDIAC ARREST

- EKG changes, widening of QRS, peaked T waves

- Phlebitis