Potassium Chloride Solution

P

Pronunciation: po-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide
Generic Name: Potassium Chloride
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Injectable potassium chloride products in strengths of 1.5 mEq and 2 mEq per mL must be diluted before injecting into the vein. Instruct patients that injection of potassium concentrate may cause instant death. However, injectable potassium chloride products in strengths of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mEq per mL are intended for use with a calibrated infusion device and do not require dilution.

Potassium Chloride Solution is used for:

Treating and preventing potassium deficiency where oral doseforms are not possible.

Potassium Chloride Solution is an injectable potassium supplement. It works by restoring the potassium level in your body if your potassium level is low.

Do NOT use Potassium Chloride Solution if: you are allergic to any ingredient in Potassium Chloride Solution you are taking a potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, triamterene) you have a high blood potassium level or kidney failure

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Potassium Chloride Solution:

Some medical conditions may interact with Potassium Chloride Solution. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances if you have a high acidity of your body fluids (acidosis), adrenal gland problems, diarrhea, or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Potassium Chloride Solution. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Aldosterone blockers (eg, spironolactone), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, triamterene) because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Potassium Chloride Solution may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Potassium Chloride Solution:

Use Potassium Chloride Solution as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Potassium Chloride Solution is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Potassium Chloride Solution at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Potassium Chloride Solution. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions. Do not use Potassium Chloride Solution if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged. Potassium Chloride Solution MUST be diluted before use. It is very important to carefully check that the right amount of medicine is drawn into the syringe before injecting the medicine into its diluent solution. If this solution is given by way of a pumping device, be sure to stop the pumping action before the container runs dry or air embolism may occur. Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal. If you miss a dose of Potassium Chloride Solution, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Potassium Chloride Solution.

Important safety information: Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it. Too much or too little potassium can adversely affect your heart. Be sure that your health care provider and pharmacist are aware of any heart medicines you are taking. Lab tests, including electrolyte monitoring and kidney function, may be performed while you use Potassium Chloride Solution. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. Use Potassium Chloride Solution with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects. PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Potassium Chloride Solution while you are pregnant. It is not known if Potassium Chloride Solution is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Potassium Chloride Solution, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby. Possible side effects of Potassium Chloride Solution:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; fever; infection at the injection site; nausea; vein irritation; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; chest pain; confusion; heart problems; irregular heartbeat; low blood pressure; muscle weakness; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; stomach pain; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; weak or heavy legs; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Potassium Chloride side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chest pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; limp muscles; listlessness; muscle weakness or paralysis; slow or difficult breathing.

Proper storage of Potassium Chloride Solution:

Store Potassium Chloride Solution at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Potassium Chloride Solution out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information: If you have any questions about Potassium Chloride Solution, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Potassium Chloride Solution is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Potassium Chloride Solution. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012 Database Edition 12.1.1.002 Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. More Potassium Chloride resources Potassium Chloride Side Effects (in more detail)Potassium Chloride Use in Pregnancy & BreastfeedingDrug ImagesPotassium Chloride Drug InteractionsPotassium Chloride Support Group5 Reviews for Potassium Chloride - Add your own review/rating Compare Potassium Chloride with other medications HypokalemiaPrevention of Hypokalemia

Potassium Chloride Solution

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