Drug reference

Potassium chloride

Electrolyte · Electrolyte replacement

ElectrolyteElectrolyte replacement

CDSCO approvedSchedule H

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AcrivastineSevereDatabaseDDInter
AlimemazineSevereDatabaseDDInter
AmilorideSevereDatabaseDDInter
AmitriptylineSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Potassium chloride functions as an essential electrolyte, helping to maintain intracellular and extracellular fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. When administered, it helps to restore or maintain potassium levels, preventing or correcting hypokalemia, especially in conditions involving significant fluid and electrolyte loss or as an adjunct to diuretic therapy. In colonic cleansing solutions, it contributes to the isotonicity of the mixture, minimizing net ion shifts across the intestinal wall.

Indications

Replacement of ongoing stool losses due to diarrheaReplacement of ongoing gastric lossesAdjunctive therapy in hypercalcemia treatment (to supplement saline infusion)Component of colonic cleansing preparations prior to radiological, surgical, and endoscopic procedures

Dosing

Adult: Available in concentrations of 20, 27, and 40 mmol/litre in sodium chloride intravenous infusion (0.9%), glucose intravenous infusion (5%) or sodium chloride and glucose intravenous infusion. For replacement of ongoing stool losses: 5% dextrose in 1/4 normal saline + 20 mEq/L sodium bicarbonate + 20 mEq/L potassium chloride, replace stool mL/mL every 1-6 hr.…
Pediatric: For replacement of ongoing stool losses: 5% dextrose in 1/4 normal saline + 20 mEq/L sodium bicarbonate + 20 mEq/L potassium chloride, replace stool mL/mL every 1-6 hr. For replacement of ongoing gastric losses: normal saline + 10 mEq/L potassium chloride, replace output mL/mL every 1-6 hr.