Ampoules -Potassium Chloride Injection 

Potassium Chloride 7.46% w/v

Therapeutic Class

Hypertonic crystalloid salt solution

Description and Composition

A clear, colorless, sterile solution each 25 ml of which contains:

• Potassium Chloride B.P.: 1.865 grams
• Water for Injections: q.s.

Indications

Management of hypokalemia.

Dosage and Administration

The product should be used in accordance with the clinical condition of the patient and age.

Duration of Action and Excretion

When infused, it passes out of the bloodstream quite rapidly, especially when normal renal function and renal blood flow are present.

Adverse Effects

• If administered in large amounts, it can cause fluid overload.
• Electrolyte imbalance may occur.
• Arrhythmias.
• Hyperkalemia.
• Phlebitis may occur, particularly if potassium is administered at a concentration more than 40 mEq/L and rate exceeding 10 mEq/hour, through peripheral veins.

Contraindications

• Patients with hyperkalemia.
• Oliguria and anuria.

Warnings

Should NEVER be infused directly into the circulation. It should always be diluted with appropriate fluid before administration.

Precautions

• The maximum concentration infused through a peripheral vein should not exceed 40 mEq/L. When infused through a central vein, the maximum concentration should not exceed 60 mEq/L – along with cardiac monitoring.
• The solution should be used with care in patients with renal failure, oliguria, or azotemia.
• Care is required in patients with Addison’s Disease without hyperkalemia.
• Monitoring of urine output is advisable (20 ml/hour or 1 ml/kg/hour).
• Care is required to avoid volume overload.
• Caution should be exercised in severe burns without hyperkalemia, in cardiac failure, and in diabetics.
• Monitoring of serum electrolytes is recommended during therapy.
• Use sterile technique in venipuncture and equipment assembly.
• Monitor E.C.G. continuously.
• Monitor blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate frequently.

Osmolarity and Tonicity

• Hypotonic solution, having a tonicity of 1000.
• Hyper-osmolar solution (2000 mOsm/L).

Caloric Value

Nil

Pharmaceutical Precautions

• Store at room temperature. Protect from sunlight.
• Do not use if the ampoule is leaking, the solution is cloudy, or contains foreign matter.
• Discard unused portion.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Shelf life is 5 years from the date of manufacturing.

Packaging

25 mL in polyethylene, twist-off, plastic ampoules.

Pharmacological Effects

• When potassium depletion is severe and/or life-threatening cardiovascular or neuromuscular complications are imminent, potassium should be replaced through intravenous administration, as the chloride salt.
• Potassium is better retained in the extracellular space if given along with chloride.
• Provides the following electrolytes in each liter of fluid:
  • Potassium: 1000 mEq
  • Chloride: 1000 mEq
• Each ampoule of 25 mL provides 25 mEq of potassium and 25 mEq of chloride.
• The pH range is 3.5 - 7.5.