Potassium Chloride is an essential electrolyte replenisher used to treat and prevent hypokalemia (low blood potassium). The 500mg/5ml oral liquid formulation provides 6.7 mEq (268 mg) of elemental potassium per 5ml dose. Potassium is the principal intracellular cation, critical for maintaining cellular membrane potential, nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction (including cardiac), and normal renal function.
Adult: Treatment: 20-40 mEq (1.5-3 g or 15-30 ml of 500mg/5ml solution) diluted in water, given in 2-4 divided doses daily. Usual daily maintenance: 20 mEq/day. MUST be individualized based on serum potassium levels.
Note: 1. ALWAYS dilute the measured dose in at least 120-180 ml (half a glass) of cold water or fruit juice (e.g., orange, tomato). 2. Stir well and drink immediately. 3. Take with or immediately after food to minimize GI upset. 4. Do NOT take while lying down. Remain upright for 30 minutes after dose. 5. Do NOT use undiluted. 6. Space doses evenly throughout the day.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation (140-150 mEq/L). Potassium Chloride administration corrects the deficit of intracellular and extracellular potassium. It is critical for maintaining the resting membrane potential of cells, particularly nerve and muscle cells. By restoring serum potassium levels, it normalizes the ratio of extracellular to intracellular potassium, which is essential for proper electrophysiology of the heart and neuromuscular function.
Pregnancy: Category A (US FDA). Potassium chloride is considered safe in pregnancy when used for documented hypokalemia. Requirements may increase. Use at the lowest effective dose.
Driving: No effect. However, severe hypokalemia or hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, affecting ability to drive.
| ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Ramipril, Enalapril) | Increased risk of hyperkalemia due to reduced aldosterone. | Major |
| Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs e.g., Telmisartan, Losartan) | Increased risk of hyperkalemia. | Major |
| Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Spironolactone, Amiloride) | Additive hyperkalemic effect. | Major |
| NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) | May reduce renal potassium excretion, increasing risk of hyperkalemia. | Moderate |
| Heparin | Can inhibit aldosterone, increasing potassium levels. | Moderate |
| Digoxin | Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity. KCl corrects this, but rapid over-correction can lead to arrhythmias in digitalized patients. | Major |
| Loop/Thiazide Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide) | Increase potassium loss, necessitating supplementation. | Moderate (Therapeutic Interaction) |