Potassium Chloride
Uses of Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is commonly used to treat potassium deficiency.
How Potassium Chloride Works
Potassium chloride is an electrolyte replenisher of K ions. Potassium is required in conducting the nerve impulses, contracting cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscles, normal renal function, metabolism of carbohydrate and gastric secretions.
Side Effects of Potassium Chloride
Hypersensitivity, Pain at injection site or phlebitis, Hyperkalemia, Periorbital, facial, and/or laryngeal oedema, Coughing, sneezing, and/or breathing difficulty.
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Potassium Chloride should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. It is important to measure the plasma potassium concentration at regular intervals to avoid hyperkalemia.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is not advisable to consume alcohol with Potassium Chloride. This is because alcohol may cause imbalances of electrolytes and thus, affecting potassium levels in body fluids.
Pregnancy Not Safe
Animal studies have demonstrated that there are risks to the fetus and there are no adequate human studies, however, Potassium Chloride may be used during pregnancy with close monitoring by the physician.
Driving Generally Safe
Potassium Chloride usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.
Liver Limited Data
It is recommended to use Potassium Chloride with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
Lactation Limited Data
There is no known data on the usage of Potassium Chloride during breastfeeding, however, it may be used with caution and close monitoring.
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
