POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 10% = KCl 10% injectable

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Prescription under medical supervision

Treatment of severe hypokalaemia (arrhythmia, marked muscular weakness, rhabdomyolysis or serum potassium level ≤ 2.5 mmol/litre)

Ampoule containing 10% potassium chloride hypertonic solution (100 mg/ml, 10 ml), i.e. 1 g of potassium chloride (KCl) per 10 ml ampoule
Ionic composition:
- potassium (K⁺): 13.4 mmol per 10 ml ampoule (13.4 mEq)
- chloride (Cl^–): 13.4 mmol per 10 ml ampoule (13.4 mEq)
Check concentration before use: potassium chloride also comes in ampoules containing 7.5%, 11.2%, 15% and 20% solutions.
NEVER USE BY IV OR IM OR SC INJECTION. Potassium chloride must always be administered by slow IV infusion, diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride.
For dilution:
- The potassium concentration in the infusion fluid should not exceed 40 mmol/litre.
- Mix thoroughly the potassium and the 0.9% sodium chloride solution by inverting at least 5 times the infusion bottle or bag.

Dosage depends on the severity of hypokalaemia and the patient’s underlying condition. For information:

Each mmol of potassium is diluted in 25 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride.
Examples:

10 kg	0.2 (mmol) x 10 (kg) = 2 mmol/hour x 3 hours = 6 mmol 6 mmol (= 4.5 ml of 10% KCl solution) diluted in 150 ml of NaCl 0.9% and administered over 3 hours
15 kg	0.2 (mmol) x 15 (kg) = 3 mmol/hour x 3 hours = 9 mmol 9 mmol (= 6.5 ml of 10% KCl solution) diluted in 225 ml of NaCl 0.9% and administered over 3 hours

Adult: 40 mmol (= 3 ampoules of 10 ml of 10% KCl) in one litre of 0.9% sodium chloride, to be administered over 4 hours. Do not exceed 10 mmol/hour.

The infusion may be repeated if severe symptoms persist or if the serum potassium level remains < 3 mmol/litre.

Administer with caution to elderly patients.
Administer with caution and reduce the dose in patients with renal impairment (increased risk of hyperkalaemia).
May cause:
- in the event of rapid or excessive administration: hyperkalaemia, cardiac conduction and rhythm disorders, potentially fatal;
- in the event of extravasation: necrosis.
Infusion must be constantly monitored.

A 7.5% potassium solution contains 1 mmol of K⁺/ml; a 11.2% solution contains 1.5 mmol of K⁺/ml; a 15% solution contains 2 mmol of K⁺/ml; a 20% solution contains 2.68 mmol of K⁺/ml.
Moderate hypokalaemia is defined as a potassium level < 3.5 mmol/litre; severe hypo kalaemia as a potassium level ≤ 2.5 mmol/litre.

Below 25 °C