Indications and dose
Hypokalaemia
Calculate potassium deficiency according to the formula above and dilute potassium chloride concentrate by adding appropriate volume to a large volume of intravenous fluid before use.
ECG should be monitored during the administration.
It is recommended not to exceed 2–3 mmol potassium per kg body weight per day.
Medicinal forms
Concentrate – i.v. - 7.45 %
Tablets – 500 mg
Side-effects
Hyperkalaemia – paraesthesia, confusion, weakness, flaccid paralysis, cold skin, fall in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, heart arrest, death
Reversal
In a case of symptomatic hyperkalaemia:
Furosemide i.v.
Administer 10–20 ml of 10 % calcium gluconate IV over 1–5 min.
Infusion of 300-500 ml/hour of 10–25 % glucose solution containing up to 10 units of insulin for each 20 g of glucose.
References
