potassium chloride (redirected from Potassium chloride 40meq)

potassium /po·tas·si·um/ (K) (pah-tas´e-um) chemical element, at. no. 19. Potassium is the chief cation of intracellular fluid, and many of its salts are used as electrolyte replenishers and antihypokalemics, including p. acetate, p. bicarbonate, p. chloride, and p. gluconate. For potassium salts not listed here, see under the active ingredient.

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potassium bitartrate  a compound administered rectally with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide; used for relief of constipation, evacuation of the colon before surgical or diagnostic procedures, and pre- and postpartum bowel emptying.

potassium chloride  an electrolyte replenisher, KCl.

potassium citrate  a systemic and urinary alkalizer, electrolyte replenisher, and diuretic.

dibasic potassium phosphate  the dipotassium salt, K2HPO4; used alone or in combination with other phosphate compounds as an electrolyte replenisher.

potassium hydroxide  an alkalizer used in pharmaceutical preparations.

potassium iodide  a thyroid inhibitor used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, as a radiation protectant to the thyroid, as an iodine replenisher, and as an antifungal.

monobasic potassium phosphate  the monopotassium salt, KH2PO4; used as a buffering agent in pharmaceutical preparations and, alone or in combination with other phosphate compounds, as an electrolyte replenisher, urinary acidifier, and antiurolithic.

potassium permanganate  the potassium salt of permanganic acid, used as a topical anti-infective, oxidizing agent, and as an antidote for certain poisons.

potassium phosphate  a compound combining potassium and phosphoric acid, usually dibasic potassium phosphate.

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potassium chloride

n.

A colorless crystalline solid or powder, KCl, used in various pharmaceutical preparations to correct potassium deficiency.

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potassium chloride (KCl),

a white crystalline salt used as a substitute for table salt in the diet of people with cardiovascular disorders, in administration of the potassium ion, and as a constituent of Ringer's solution.

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of hypokalemia resulting from a variety of causes and of digitalis intoxication.

contraindications Hyperkalemia; concomitant use of spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene; Addison's disease; renal impairment; or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the most serious adverse effects are hyperkalemia and, when the drug is given orally, ulceration of the small bowel.

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potassium (K) (pōtas´ēm),

n an alkali metal element, the seventh most abundant element in the earth's crust. Its atomic number is 19 and its atomic weight is 39.1. In the body, it constitutes the predominant intracellular cation, helping to regulate neuromuscular excitability and muscle contraction. The average adequate daily intake of potassium for most adults is 2 to 4 g.

potassium bicarbonate/potassium acetate/potassium chloride/potassium gluconate/potassium phosphate,

n brand name: Effer-K, K-Lyte, Kapon-CL, K-Dur, Micro-K, K-G Elixir;
drug class: potassium electrolyte;
action: needed for adequate transmission of nerve impulses and cardiac contraction, renal function, intracellular ion maintenance;
uses: prevention and treatment of hypokalemia.

potassium chloride,

n a white crystalline salt used as a substitute for table salt in the diet of persons with cardiovascular disorders.

potassium dichromate

n a compound of potassium used as an external astringent, antiseptic, and caustic.

potassium oxalate

n a dentin desensitizing agent that occludes the openings of the dentinal tubules and blocks the hydrodynamics that initiate the pain response.
Brand name: Protect.

potassium sulfate

n an accelerator used to speed the setting of gypsum products. Hydrocolloid impressions are fixed in a 2% solution of potassium sulfate.

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potassium

a chemical element, atomic number 19, atomic weight 39.102, symbol K. See Table 6. In combination with other minerals, potassium forms alkaline salts that are important in body processes and play an essential role in maintenance of its acid-base and water balance. All body cells, especially muscle tissue, require a high content of potassium. A proper balance between sodium, calcium and potassium in the blood plasma is necessary for proper cardiac function. Alfalfa meal, molasses and soyabean meal are good sources for herbivores.

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potassium acetate, bicarbonate, bitartrate, citrate, gluconate

electrolyte replenishers, weak diuretics and urinary alkalinizers. Some are also used as expectorants.

potassium arsenite

see fowler's solution.

potassium bromide

used in the treatment of seizures in humans and dogs.

potassium carbonate

used commercially as a fertilizer.

potassium channel

see channel.

potassium chloride

a compound used orally or intravenously as an electrolyte replenisher.

potassium cyanide

may be present in industrial effluents. A potent cause of cyanide poisoning.

potassium deficiency

nutritional deficiency of potassium is very rare. In calves can cause poor growth, anemia and diarrhea. Experimental deficiency in piglets causes also incoordination and cardiac insufficiency.

potassium exchange resins

an oral preparation administered to limit the amount of potassium available for absorption; used in the management of hyperkalemia. See also ion-exchange resin; sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

potassium guaiacolsulfonate

an expectorant.

potassium hydroxide (syn. potassium hydrate)

used commercially as a caustic. In veterinary medicine used mostly for clearing skin scrapings in the diagnosis of ectoparasite infestation.

potassium iodate

used as a constituent of salt blocks and mixes to supplement the diet with iodine. Overdosing will cause iodism.

potassium iodide

an expectorant and antithyroid agent.

potassium nitrate

used commercially as a fertilizer and a meat preservative. Can cause nitrate poisoning or nitrite poisoning in ruminants.

potassium nitrite

a compound sometimes used in place of potassium nitrate. Overdosing causes methemoglobin formation and severe, sometimes fatal hypoxia.

potassium nutritional deficiency

causes poor growth, anemia and diarrhea in pigs and calves. Electrocardiographic changes are also recorded. See also hypokalemia.

potassium oxalate

causes oxalate poisoning.

potassium permanganate

a topical anti-infective, oxidizing agent, and antidote for many poisons. See also permanganate.

potassium phosphate

a cathartic.

potassium pump

see sodium pump.

potassium sodium tartrate

a compound used as a saline cathartic and also in combination with sodium bicarbonate and tartaric acid (Seidlitz powders, a cathartic).

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potassium chloride Warning - High-alert drug!

Apo-K (CA), Kaon, Kay-Cee-L (UK), K-Dur, K-Lor, Klor-Con, Klotrix, K-Med (CA), K-Tab, Micro-K, Slow-K (UK)

Pharmacologic class: Mineral, electrolyte

Therapeutic class: Electrolyte replacement, nutritional supplement

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Maintains acid-base balance, isotonicity, and electrophysiologic balance throughout body tissues; crucial to nerve impulse transmission and contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle. Also essential for normal renal function and carbohydrate metabolism.

Availability

Capsules (extended-release): 8 mEq, 10 mEq

Powder for oral solution: 20 mEq, 25 mEq

Parenteral injection (concentrate): 2 mEq/ml

Parenteral solution: 0.1 mEq/ml, 0.2 mEq/ml, 0.3 mEq/ml, 0.4 mEq/ml

Potassium chloride in 5% dextrose injection: 10 mEq/L, 20 mEq/L, 30 mEq/L, 40 mEq/L

Potassium chloride in 0.9% sodium chloride injection: 20 mEq/L, 40 mEq/L

Potassium chloride in dextrose and lactated Ringer's injection: various strengths

Potassium chloride in dextrose and sodium chloride injection: various strengths

Solution (oral): 6.7 mEq, 10 mEq, 13.3 mEq, 15 mEq, 20 mEq, 30 mEq, 40 mEq

Tablets: 500 mg, 595 mg

Tablets (effervescent): 25 mEq, 50 mEq

Tablets (extended-release): 8 mEq, 10 mEq, 20 mEq

Tablets (extended-release crystals): 10 mEq, 20 mEq

Tablets (extended-release, film coated): 8 mEq, 10 mEq

Tablets (film-coated): 2.5 mEq, 10 mEq

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ To prevent potassium depletion

Adults: Dosage highly individualized. Usual single dosage is 20 mEq/day P.O. in divided doses.

➣ Potassium depletion; diabetic acidosis; metabolic alkalosis; arrhythmias; periodic paralysis attacks; hyperadrenocorticism; primary aldosteronism; healing phase of scalds or burns; overmedication with adrenocorticoids, testosterone, or corticotropin

Adults: Dosage highly individualized. 40 to 100 mEq/day P.O. in divided doses, not to exceed 20 mEq in a single dose. For serum potassium level above 2.5 mEq/L, 40 mEq/L as additive to I.V. infusion at a maximum rate of 10 mEq/hour; maximum daily dosage is 200 mEq. For serum potassium level less than 2 mEq/L, 80 mEq/L as additive to I.V. infusion at a maximum rate of 40 mEq/hour (with cardiac monitoring); maximum daily dosage is 400 mEq.

Children: Dosage highly individualized; give up to 3 mEq/kg or 40 mEq/m²/day as additive to I.V. infusion.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to tartrazine or alcohol (with some products)
• Acute dehydration
• Heat cramps
• Hyperkalemia
• Hyperkalemic familial periodic paralysis
• Severe renal impairment
• Severe hemolytic reactions
• Severe tissue trauma
• Untreated Addison's disease
• Esophageal compression caused by enlarged left atrium (with wax matrix forms)
• Concurrent use of potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin-enzyme converting (ACE) inhibitors, or salt substitutes containing potassium

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• cardiac disease, renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, hypomagnesemia
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children (safety and efficacy not established).

Administration

☞ Know that I.V. potassium chloride is a high-alert drug.
☞ Give I.V. form as additive by infusion only. Never give undiluted or by I.V. push or I.M. route. Use peripheral line and infuse at a maximum rate of 40 mEq/hour (with cardiac monitoring).
☞ Dilute in compatible I.V. solution per manufacturer's instructions. Administer slowly to reduce risk of fatal hyperkalemia.
☞ To ensure that potassium is well mixed in compatible solution, don't add potassium to I.V. bottle in hanging position.
☞ Be aware that maximum infusion rate without cardiac monitoring is 20 mEq/hour. Rates above 20 mEq/hour require cardiac monitoring.
• Make sure patient is well-hydrated and urinating before starting therapy.
• If patient complains of burning with I.V. administration, decrease flow rate.
• Give P.O. form with meals and a full glass of water or juice, to minimize GI upset.
• Ensure that patient swallows wax-matrix tablets completely, to avoid serious esophageal problems.
• Don't give wax matrix tablets to patients who have swallowing problems or possible esophageal compression.
• Be aware that potassium preparations aren't interchangeable.
• Know that dosages are expressed in mEq of potassium and that potassium chloride contains 13.4 mEq potassium/g.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	1-2 hr	Unknown
I.V.	Rapid	End of infusion	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: confusion, unusual fatigue, restlessness, asthenia, flaccid paralysis, paresthesia, absent reflexes

CV: ECG changes, hypotension, arrhythmias, heart block, cardiac arrest

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, flatulence

Metabolic: hyperkalemia

Musculoskeletal: weakness and heaviness of legs

Respiratory: respiratory paralysis

Other: irritation at I.V. site

Interactions

Drug-drug. ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, other potassium-containing preparations: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Drug-diagnostic tests. Potassium: increased level

Drug-food. Salt substitutes containing potassium: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Drug-herbs. Dandelion: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Licorice: decreased response to potassium

Patient monitoring

• Monitor renal function, fluid intake and output, and potassium, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels.
• Assess vital signs and ECG. Stay alert for arrhythmias.
• Monitor neurologic status. Watch for neurologic complications.
• Monitor I.V. site for irritation.
☞ Know that potassium is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment and must be used with extreme caution (if at all) in patients with any degree of renal impairment, because of risk of life-threatening hyperkalemia.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to mix and dissolve powder completely in 3 to 8 oz of water or juice.
• Tell patient to swallow extended-release capsules whole without crushing or chewing them.
• Instruct patient to take oral form with or just after a meal, with a glass of water or fruit juice.
• Tell patient to sip diluted liquid form over 5 to 10 minutes.
• Advise patient to report nausea, vomiting, confusion, numbness and tingling, unusual fatigue or weakness, or a heavy feeling in legs.
• Tell patient to minimize GI upset by eating frequent, small servings of food and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Inform patient that although wax matrix form may appear in stool, drug has already been absorbed.
• Advise patient not to use salt substitutes.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, and herbs mentioned above.