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Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate

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Generic Name: potassium chloride
Product Name: Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate

Indication: What Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate is used for

Potassium chloride increases the potassium levels that are in the blood. Potassium is naturally present in body fluids and is needed for normal body function. Potassium chloride is given to patients who have very low levels of potassium or who are unable to take tablets. It may also be used for the treatment of poisoning by digitalis.

Potassium Chloride Concentrate may be used for the treatment of other conditions that are not mentioned above. Your doctor will be able to tell you about the specific condition for which you have been prescribed potassium chloride.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been prescribed for you.

This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Action: How Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate works

Potassium is an essential body electrolyte found in an intracellular fluid where it is the principal cation. It is involved in cell function and metabolism, including maintenance of intracellular acid-base balance and isotonicity, transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of muscle, and maintenance of renal function.

Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate contains potassium chloride in water for injections.


It does not contain a preservative.

Dose advice: How to use Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate

Before you are treated with Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate

When Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate must not be given

You should not be given this medicine if the packaging is torn or show signs of tampering or if the expiry date on the pack has passed.

You will not be given Potassium Chloride if:

  • You have or have had:
    • An allergy to potassium chloride;
    • High potassium levels in your blood.

It may not be safe for you to be given potassium chloride, if you are not sure whether any of these apply to you, check with your doctor.

Before treatment with Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate

You must tell your doctor if:

  • You have any allergies to:
    • Any other medicine;
    • Any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes;
  • You have or have had:
    • Abnormal heartbeat;
    • Heart disease;
    • Adrenal gland problems (e.g. Addison’s disease);
    • Severe burns;
    • Kidney problems;
    • Dehydration;
    • Sickle cell anaemia;
    • Heat cramps;
  • You are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
    • Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefit of being given potassium chloride during pregnancy;
  • You are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
    • Potassium chloride passes into breast milk, however, there have been no problems reported in breastfed infants;
  • Tell your doctor if you are on a low salt diet.
    • You may require chloride as well as potassium.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may affect the way potassium chloride works. These include:


  • Fluid tablets such as triamterene and thiazine;
  • Heart drugs such as enalapril, captopril, and digitalis;
  • Medicines to relieve inflammation;
  • Medicines to treat thrombosis such as heparin;
  • Products containing salt substitutes;
  • Other medicines that contain potassium;
  • Insulin;
  • Antacids like sodium bicarbonate.

If you are unsure whether you are taking one of the above drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. These medicines may be affected by potassium chloride or may affect how well it works. You may need to take different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines.

Your doctor and pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with while being given potassium chloride and will advise you about continuing to take other medicines

Your doctor will advise you about continuing to take other medicines.

How Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate is given

Potassium Chloride Concentrate treatment usually occurs in a hospital. It will be diluted and given to you as a slow injection into one of your veins (this is called an intravenous infusion) by your doctor or a specially trained nurse.

How much is given

Your doctor will decide what dose, how often and how long you will receive it. This depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight, age, blood tests, how well your kidneys are working, and whether or not other medicines are being given at the same time.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. These directions may differ from the information contained here.

Never administer this medicine yourself.


If you are given too much (overdose)

This rarely happens as Potassium Chloride is administered under the care of a highly trained doctor or nurse. However, if you are given too much potassium chloride you may experience some of the effects listed under “Side Effects” below.

Your doctor has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

Storage

Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrates should be stored below 25°C.

Schedule of Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate

Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate is an unscheduled medicine.

Side effects of Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate

Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given Potassium Chloride Concentrate. Like other medicines, potassium chloride can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Ask your doctor or nurse to answer any questions that you may have.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Tingling in the arms or legs;
  • Confusion;
  • Abnormal heartbeat;
  • Muscle weakness;
  • Peeling skin at the site of injection;
  • Pain at the injection site.

These side effects are serious. You may need urgent medical attention.

Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

These are the more common side effects of potassium chloride. Mostly these are mild and short-lived.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. Some side effects may only be seen by your doctor.

For further information talk to your doctor.

References

  1. Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).  West Ryde, NSW: Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd. August 2012. [PDF]
  2. Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate Product Information (PI). West Ryde, NSW: Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd. June 2012. [PDF]

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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 21 June, 2018
Reviewed On: 21 June, 2018

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Created by: myVMC