Potassium Chloride in Dextrose
Potassium Chloride and Dextrose Monohydrate · Injection, Solution · Intravenous
Uses
This solution is indicated in patients requiring parenteral administration of potassium chloride with minimal carbohydrate calories.
Dosage and administration
This solution should be administered only by intravenous infusion and as directed by the physician. The dose and rate of injection are dependent upon the age, weight and clinical condition of the patient. If the serum potassium level is greater than 2.5 mEq/liter, potassium should be given at a rate not to exceed 10 mEq/hour in a concentration less than 30 mEq/liter. Somewhat faster rates and greater concentrations (usually up to 40 mEq/liter) of potassium may be indicated in patients with more severe potassium deficiency. The total 24-hour dose should not generally exceed 200 mEq of potassium. As reported in the literature, the dosage and constant infusion rate of intravenous dextrose must be selected with caution in pediatric patients, particularly neonates and low birth weight infants, because of the increased risk of hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. See PRECAUTIONS . Drug Interactions Additives may be incompatible. Consult with pharmacist, if available. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store.
Contraindications
Solutions containing potassium chloride are contraindicated in diseases where high potassium levels may be encountered.
Warnings
Solutions which contain potassium ions should be used with great care, if at all, in patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal failure and in conditions in which potassium retention is present. To avoid potassium intoxication, do not infuse these solutions rapidly. In patients with severe renal insufficiency or adrenal insufficiency, administration of potassium chloride may cause potassium intoxication. In patients with diminished renal function, administration of solutions containing potassium ions may result in potassium retention. The intravenous administration of this solution can cause fluid and/or solute overloading resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states or pulmonary edema. The risk of dilutional states is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentration of administered parenteral solutions. The risk of solute overload causing congested states with peripheral and pulmonary edema is directly proportional to the electrolyte concentrations of such solutions.
Precautions
Clinical evaluation and periodic laboratory determinations are necessary to monitor changes in fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance during prolonged parenteral therapy or whenever the condition of the patient warrants such evaluation. Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution in patients with known subclinical or overt diabetes mellitus. Caution must be exercised in the administration of parenteral fluids, especially those containing sodium ions, to patients receiving corticosteroids or corticotropin. Potassium replacement therapy should be guided primarily by serial electrocardiograms. Plasma potassium levels are not necessarily indicative of tissue potassium levels. High plasma concentrations of potassium may cause death through cardiac depression, arrhythmias or arrest. Potassium-containing solutions should be used with caution in the presence of cardiac disease, particularly in digitalized patients or in the presence of renal disease. Care should be exercised to insure that the needle (or catheter) is well within the lumen of the vein and that extravasation does not occur. Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged. Discard unused portion. Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with dextrose or potassium chloride. It is also not known whether dextrose or potassium chloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Dextrose or potassium chloride should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Pediatric use The safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population are based on the similarity of the clinical conditions of the pediatric and adult populations. In neonates or very small infants the volume of fluid may affect fluid and electrolyte balance. Frequent monitoring of serum glucose concentrations is required when dextrose is prescribed to pediatric patients, particularly neonates and low birth weight infants. In very low birth weight infants, excessive or rapid administration of dextrose injection may result in increased serum osmolality and possible intracerebral hemorrhage.
Side effects
Reactions which may occur because of the solutions or technique of administration include febrile response, infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection, extravasation and hypervolemia. If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if deemed necessary. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea have been reported with potassium therapy. The signs and symptoms of potassium intoxication include paresthesias of the extremities, flaccid paralysis, listlessness, mental confusion, weakness and heaviness of the legs, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, electrocardiographic abnormalities such as disappearance of P waves, spreading and slurring of the QRS complex with development of a biphasic curve and cardiac arrest. Potassium-containing solutions are intrinsically irritating to tissues. Therefore, extreme care should be taken to avoid perivascular infiltration. Local tissue necrosis and subsequent sloughing may result if extravasation occurs. Chemical phlebitis and venospasm have also been reported. Should perivascular infiltration occur, I.V. administration at that site should be discontinued at once. Local infiltration of the affected area with procaine hydrochloride, 1%, to which hyaluronidase may be added, will often reduce venospasm and dilute the potassium remaining in the tissues locally. Local application of heat may also be helpful.
Drug interactions
Drug Interactions Additives may be incompatible. Consult with pharmacist, if available. When introducing additives, use aseptic technique, mix thoroughly and do not store.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with dextrose or potassium chloride. It is also not known whether dextrose or potassium chloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Dextrose or potassium chloride should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Pediatric use
Pediatric use The safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population are based on the similarity of the clinical conditions of the pediatric and adult populations. In neonates or very small infants the volume of fluid may affect fluid and electrolyte balance. Frequent monitoring of serum glucose concentrations is required when dextrose is prescribed to pediatric patients, particularly neonates and low birth weight infants. In very low birth weight infants, excessive or rapid administration of dextrose injection may result in increased serum osmolality and possible intracerebral hemorrhage.
Overdosage
In the event of potassium overdosage, discontinue the infusion immediately and institute intensive corrective therapy to reduce serum potassium levels. See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS .
Description
Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection, USP is a sterile and nonpyrogenic solution in water for injection. This solution is for administration by intravenous infusion only. See Table for summary of content and characteristics of this solution. This solution contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer and is intended only for use as a single-dose injection. When smaller doses are required the unused portion should be discarded. This solution is a parenteral fluid, nutrient and electrolyte replenisher. Dextrose, USP is chemically designated D-glucose monohydrate (C 6 H 12 O 6 ∙ H 2 O), a hexose sugar freely soluble in water. It has the following structural formula: Potassium Chloride, USP is chemically designated KCl, a white granular powder freely soluble in water. Water for Injection, USP is chemically designated H 2 O. The flexible plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated polyvinyl chloride. Water can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap but not in amounts sufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the plastic container may leach out certain chemical components from the plastic in very small amounts; however, biological testing was supportive of the safety of the plastic container materials. Exposure to temperatures above 25°C/77°F during transport and storage will lead to minor losses in moisture content. Higher temperatures lead to greater losses. It is unlikely that these minor losses will lead to clinically significant changes within the expiration period. Chemical Structure
How supplied
Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection, USP solution is supplied in single-dose flexible plastic containers. See Table : Table of Contents and Characteristics Grams/100 mL Per 1000 mL mEq Potassium Size (mL) NDC No. Dextrose Hydrous Potassium Chloride Potassium (K+) Chloride (Cl¯) Caloric Value Calculated Osmolarity (mOsmol) Tonicity pH 20 mEq 1000 0409–7905–09 5 0.149 20 mEq 20 mEq 170 292 isotonic 4.3 (3.5 to 6.5) 20 mEq 1000 0990–7905–09 5 0.149 20 mEq 20 mEq 170 292 isotonic 4.3 (3.5 to 6.5) ICU Medical is transitioning NDC codes from the "0409" to "0990" labeler code. Both NDC codes are expected to be in the market for a period of time. May contain HCl for pH adjustment. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing.
Storage
Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from freezing.
Label text from the FDA structured product label by ICU Medical Inc. (revised Oct 30, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Potassium Chloride in 3 products
- Dextrose Monohydrate in 2 products
- Dextrose in 1 product
Potassium Chloride in Dextrose NDC products (3)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0264-7625 | Dextrose 5 g/100mL; Potassium Chloride .15 g/100mL Solution | B. Braun Medical Inc. | NDA |
| 0338-0683 | Potassium Chloride 150 mg/100mL; Dextrose Monohydrate 5 g/100mL Injection, Solution | Baxter Healthcare Company | NDA |
| 0990-7905 | Dextrose Monohydrate 5 g/100mL; Potassium Chloride .149 g/100mL Injection, Solution | ICU Medical Inc. | NDA |
Frequently asked questions
What is Potassium Chloride in Dextrose used for?
This solution is indicated in patients requiring parenteral administration of potassium chloride with minimal carbohydrate calories.
What are the side effects of Potassium Chloride in Dextrose?
Reactions which may occur because of the solutions or technique of administration include febrile response, infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection, extravasation and hypervolemia. If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue the infusion, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Potassium Chloride in Dextrose?
Potassium Chloride in Dextrose is listed by 3 labelers in the FDA NDC directory, including B. Braun Medical Inc., Baxter Healthcare Company, ICU Medical Inc..