Generic Name:

Potassium Chloride – Intermittent Infusion

Trade Name:

Action:

Electrolyte replacement

Indications:

Hypokalemia

Administration Guidelines:

Usual Dosage Range and Route:

0.5 – 1 mEq/kg/dose IV; Calculated Dose should not exceed 40 mEq per dose

Dose should be determined after taking the patient's condition, serum potassium level, and presence of renal impairment into consideration

Standard

Concentrations:

NICU: Orders require co-signature by the attending or in-house attending neonatologist or senior neonatal NP before administration

Central: 2 mEq/10 mL (microinfusion syringe)

Peripheral: 0.8mEq/10mL

PICU:

Central: 1 mEq/mL

Peripheral: 80 mEq/Liter

Rate of Administration

Usual Rate 0.3 - 0.5 mEq/kg/hour, up to a MAXIMUM Rate 1 mEq/kg/hour

•  DO NOT EXCEED 20 mEq/hour

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•  Patient must be on a cardiac monitor.

Special Considerations:

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•  - It is preferred to order potassium chloride as part of maintenance IV fluids or replace orally if possible

•  All other sources of potassium such as TPN, IV maintenance fluids, and oral supplements must be taken into consideration when determining dose and rate of administration

•  Must be infused on a mechanical infusion device

•  With concentrated syringe infusions, no more than 20 mEq should be placed on an infusion device at one time.

•  Monitor serum potassium levels

Precautions:

•  Rapid IV potassium administration may cause cardiac arrest

•  Use with caution in patients with renal impairment

Side Effects:

•  EKG changes (prolongation of QRS, peaked T waves)

•  Phlebitis