About potassium chloride
Electrolyte replacement salt
Used for
- Treats low blood potassium when oral replacement is unsuitable.
- Adds potassium to intravenous fluids when clinically needed.
Usual adult dose
Individualized to blood potassium, kidney function, and infusion safety; administered by controlled intravenous infusion.
Usual dose in children
Individualized by weight, blood potassium, and kidney function; administered by controlled intravenous infusion.
Common side effects
- Pain or irritation at the infusion site
- High blood potassium
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Nausea
Important warnings
- Must be diluted and infused slowly; never inject undiluted or rapidly.
- Requires blood potassium and kidney-function monitoring.
- High potassium can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems.
- Extra caution with kidney disease, dehydration, or impaired potassium excretion.
Pregnancy
Use when clinically needed, with monitoring; untreated low potassium can also be harmful.
Breastfeeding
Potassium is naturally present in breast milk; use when needed with clinical monitoring.
Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, may raise potassium.
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs may raise potassium.
- Some NSAIDs may increase potassium, especially with kidney problems.
- Other potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes may raise potassium.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.