Alternate Name(s):
KCl
Classification:
Electrolyte
Original Date:
June 1996
Revised Date:
October 2010
Indications:
- Treatment/prevention of hypokalemia
Administration:
- IV intermittent infusion: In Critical Care Areas at CHEO (PICU, NICU)
Central line only:
- Usual dilution: 0.5 mmol/mL = 500 mmol/L in D5W
- Infusion rate: 0.5 mmol/kg/hr (maximum dose/rate: 1 mmol/kg over 2 hours)
- IV continuous infusion
Peripheral line:
- Usual dilution: 20 - 40 mmol/L
- (CHEO maximum: 60 mmol/L) (TOH maximum: 40 mmol/L)
- Infusion rates: normally less than 0.25 mmol/kg/hr & do not exceed 0.5 mmol/kg/hr
Central line:
- Usual dilution: 20 - 60 mmol/L
- (CHEO maximum: 160 mmol/L) (TOH maximum: 60 mmol/L)
- Infusion rates: normally less than 0.25 mmol/kg/hr & do not exceed 0.5 mmol/kg/hr
- PO
Dosage:
- Acute hypokalemia:
- 0.5 - 1 mmol/kg IV over 2 hours (maximum rate: 0.5 mmol/kg/hr) or PO
** For serum potassium < 2.5 mmol/L, attending neonatalogist on call should be notified
- Maintenance: 2 - 3 mmol/kg/day IV/PO
Side Effects:
- CVS: arrhythmias/arrest with rapid IV infusion, hypotension
- Endocrine and metabolic: hyperkalemia
- GI: diarrhea, vomiting with oral use
- Local: thrombophlebitis/pain at peripheral IV site
Parameters to Monitor:
- BP, HR
- GI intolerance
- Injection site
- Potassium levels
Compatibility:
- Solutions Compatible : D5W, D10W, dextose-saline combinations, 0.9% NaCl
- Y-site Compatible: acyclovir, ampicillin, dobutamine, dopamine, fentanyl, furosemide, midazolam, morphine, sodium bicarbonate
Incompatible: amphotericin B, phenytoin
Notes:
For serum potassium < 2.5 mmol/L, attending neonatologist on call should be notified
References:
- Taketomo CK, Hodding JH, Kraus DM. Pediatric Dosage Handbook 17th Edition. Hudson: Lexi-Comp Inc; 2010
- Trissel LA. Handbook on Injectable Drugs 15th Edition. Bethesda, Maryland; American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. 2009