Potassium Chloride
Trade names: KCL
for IV preparation Pregnancy: (Category A) Class: Electrolyte, mineral.
Action:
Uses:
• Patients receiving high doses of potent diuretics.
• Patients having secondary hyperaldosteronism.
• When there is excessive loss of potassium in feces.
• When potassium intake is not adequate (especially in elderly).
Dose:
by slow intravenous infusion, depending
on the deficit or the daily maintenance requirements " usually 1-2
mEq/kg/day " Contraindications:
• Severe renal failure.
• If serum potassium level is over 5 mmol/liter.
Side effects:
• Hyperkalemia
• Phlebitis at injection site.
• Heart toxicity if infused rapidly.
• With oral tablet: Dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, esophageal or
bowel ulceration.
Nursing
considerations:
• Mix solution well.
• Administer
solution slowly (500 ML of solution over 2-3 hours) Monitor serum potassium level.
• Assess insertion site for signs of phlebitis.
• Give oral preparation on full stomach
