📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Prevention of hypokalaemia (patients with normal diet):*
ORAL: Adults: 20-40 mEq/day in 1-2 divided doses. Children: 1-2 mEq/day in 1-2 divided doses. Dosage requires closed monitoring via lab test.
*Treatment of hypokalaemia:*
ORAL: Adults: Potassium less than 2.5 mEq/L: initial dose60-80 mEq/day, followed by further dose as per requirement. Potassium more than 2.5 mEq/L: initial dose40-60 mEq/day , followed by further dose as per requirement.
Children: 1-2 mEq/kg initially, followed by further dose as per requirement.
*Electrolyte imbalance:*
By IV INF: Adult: Dose dependent on deficit or the daily maintenance requirements of potassium.
💊 Mode of Administration
For IV infusion content to be diluted with not less than 50 times volume of sodium chloride IV infusion 0.9% or other suitable diluent and mixed well. The rate of infusion depends on serum potassium level.
⛔ Contraindications
Plasma-potassium concentration above 5 mmol/litre. Avoid in severe impairment. Close monitoring required in renal impairment-high risk of hyperkalaemia. Acute dehydration, conditions predisposing to hyperkalaemia, gastric obstruction or ulceration, extensive tissue damage, metabolicacidosis.
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Potassium overdose can be fatal. Ready-mixed infusion solutions containing potassium should be used. If potassium chloride concentrate is used for preparing an infusion, the infusion solution should be thoroughly mixed. Should be used only under closed monitoring by lab tests, cardiac disease, with IV use ECG monitoring should be performed in difficult cases, elderly, intestinal stricture, history of peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia.
🔄 Drug Interactions
Potassium-sparing diuretics, salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors.
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, heart toxicity, bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, ulceration.
🤰 Pregnancy & Lactation Safety
Pregnancy Risk:
Controlled studies showed no risk.
Lactation / Breastfeeding:
Caution advised
🧪 Compatibility & Storage Stability
Compatibility: Stable in dextran 6% in dextrose, dextran 6% in NS, D5LR, D5IANS, D51/2NS, D5NS, D5W, D1OW, D20W, LR, Y2NS, NS, sodium chloride 3%. Stability: Store at room temperature. Protect from freezing, use only clear solutions. Use admixture within 24 hrs
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.