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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

POTASSIUM: 11,986 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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11,986
Total FAERS Reports
2,094 (17.5%)
Deaths Reported
5,157
Hospitalizations
11,986
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
1,256
Life-Threatening
359
Disabilities
Approved Prior to Jan 1, 1982
FDA Approved
XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Manufacturer
Discontinued
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Active Ingredient: POTASSIUM CHLORIDE · Drug Class: Increased Large Intestinal Motility [PE] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · FDA Application: 007865 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: Mar 7, 2039 · First Report: 1968 · Latest Report: 20250909

What Are the Most Common POTASSIUM Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
1,115 reports (9.3%)
#2 Most Reported
Hyperkalaemia
944 reports (7.9%)
#3 Most Reported
Off label use
789 reports (6.6%)

All POTASSIUM Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug ineffective 1,115 9.3% 117 596
Hyperkalaemia 944 7.9% 124 611
Off label use 789 6.6% 185 572
Nausea 747 6.2% 166 492
Dyspnoea 711 5.9% 134 486
Diarrhoea 690 5.8% 65 239
Malaise 678 5.7% 43 396
Abdominal pain 636 5.3% 148 367
Acute kidney injury 614 5.1% 81 409
Vomiting 588 4.9% 183 259
Somnolence 586 4.9% 130 488
Fatigue 575 4.8% 31 180
Dizziness 512 4.3% 7 199
Constipation 491 4.1% 152 377
Pyrexia 473 4.0% 57 372
Pain 470 3.9% 26 362
Completed suicide 466 3.9% 464 131
Weight decreased 442 3.7% 7 308
Anaemia 434 3.6% 122 362
Hypotension 428 3.6% 43 283

Who Reports POTASSIUM Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 56.0% female, 44.0% male. Average age: 61.6 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is POTASSIUM Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 2 1 1
2001 12 9 11
2002 2 0 1
2003 5 0 3
2004 20 14 3
2005 13 0 10
2006 49 1 4
2007 7 1 2
2008 4 3 1
2009 25 0 11
2010 31 3 20
2011 34 10 22
2012 80 35 40
2013 108 9 26
2014 304 45 138
2015 493 78 228
2016 428 105 223
2017 632 87 292
2018 764 119 383
2019 634 116 257
2020 599 201 279
2021 502 136 245
2022 312 50 92
2023 417 80 193
2024 262 22 118
2025 124 19 39

View full timeline →

What Is POTASSIUM Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 5,115
Hypokalaemia 1,667
Blood potassium decreased 404
Mineral supplementation 363
Parenteral nutrition 294
Constipation 159
Nephrolithiasis 156
Electrolyte substitution therapy 137
Cystinuria 111
Prophylaxis 93

POTASSIUM vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

POTASSIUM vs POTASSIUM, DIBASIC POTASSIUM vs POTASSIUM IODIDE POTASSIUM vs POTASSIUM, MONOBASIC POTASSIUM vs POTASSIUM\SODIUM FLUORIDE POTASSIUM vs POVIDONE-IODINE POTASSIUM vs PRABOTULINUMTOXINA-XVFS POTASSIUM vs PRADAXA POTASSIUM vs PRALATREXATE POTASSIUM vs PRALSETINIB POTASSIUM vs PRAMIPEXOLE

Other Drugs in Same Class: Increased Large Intestinal Motility [PE]

Official FDA Label for POTASSIUM

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

DESCRIPTION The Potassium Chloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 20 mEq product is an immediately dispersing extended-release oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 1,500 mg of microencapsulated potassium chloride, USP equivalent to 20 mEq of potassium in a tablet.

The Potassium Chloride

Extended-Release Tablets, USP 15 mEq product is an immediately dispersing extended-release oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 1,125 mg of microencapsulated potassium chloride, USP equivalent to 15 mEq of potassium in a tablet.

The Potassium Chloride

Extended-Release Tablets, USP 10 mEq product is an immediately dispersing extended-release oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 750 mg of microencapsulated potassium chloride, USP equivalent to 10 mEq of potassium in a tablet. These formulations are intended to slow the release of potassium so that the likelihood of a high localized concentration of potassium chloride within the gastrointestinal tract is reduced. Potassium chloride is an electrolyte replenisher. The chemical name of the active ingredient is potassium chloride, and the structural formula is KCl. Potassium chloride, USP occurs as a white crystalline powder or colourless crystals. It is odorless and has a saline taste. Its solutions are neutral to litmus. It is freely soluble in water, practically insoluble in ethanol. Potassium chloride is a tablet formulation (not enteric coated or wax matrix) containing individually microencapsulated potassium chloride crystals which disperse upon tablet disintegration. In simulated gastric fluid at 37°C and in the absence of out-side agitation, potassium chloride extended-release tablets begin disintegrating into microencapsulated crystals within seconds and completely disintegrates within 1 minute. The microencapsulated crystals are formulated to provide an extended-release of potassium chloride.

Inactive

Ingredients: crospovidone, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sorbitan monooleate, stearic acid and talc. FDA approved sample preparation in the assay differs from USP test. FDA approved dissolution specification differs from that of the USP.

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

INDICATIONS AND USAGE BECAUSE OF REPORTS OF INTESTINAL AND GASTRIC ULCERATION AND BLEEDING WITH CONTROLLED-RELEASE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE PREPARATIONS, THESE DRUGS SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR THOSE PATIENTS WHO CANNOT TOLERATE OR REFUSE TO TAKE LIQUID OR EFFERVESCENT POTASSIUM PREPARATIONS OR FOR PATIENTS IN WHOM THERE IS A PROBLEM OF COMPLIANCE WITH THESE PREPARATIONS. 1. For the treatment of patients with hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in digitalis intoxication, and in patients with hypokalemic familial periodic paralysis. If hypokalemia is the result of diuretic therapy, consideration should be given to the use of a lower dose of diuretic, which may be sufficient without leading to hypokalemia. 2. For the prevention of hypokalemia in patients who would be at particular risk if Hypokalemia were to develop, eg, digitalized patients or patients with significant cardiac arrhythmias. The use of potassium salts in patients receiving diuretics for uncomplicated essential hypertension is often unnecessary when such patients have a normal dietary pattern and when low doses of the diuretic are used. Serum potassium should be checked periodically, however, and if hypokalemia occurs, dietary supplementation with potassium-containing foods may be adequate to control milder cases. In more severe cases, and if dose adjustment of the diuretic is ineffective or unwarranted, supplementation with potassium salts may be indicated.

Interaction with Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Hypokalemia should not be treated by the concomitant administration of potassium salts and a potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride) since the simultaneous administration of these agents can produce severe hyperkalemia.

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Dilute prior to administration. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosage accordingly ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Treatment of hypokalemia: Adults: Initial doses range from 40-100 mEq/day in 2-5 divided doses: limit doses to 40 mEq per dose. Total daily dose should not exceed 200 mEq ( 2.2 ) Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: 2-4 mEq/kg/day in divided doses; not to exceed 1 mEq/kg as a single dose or 40 mEq whichever is lower; if deficits are severe or ongoing losses are great, consider intravenous therapy. Total daily dose should not exceed 100 mEq ( 2.3 ) Maintenance or Prophylaxis of hypokalemia: Adults: Typical dose is 20 mEq per day ( 2.2 ) Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: typical dose is 1 mEq/kg/day. Do not to exceed 3 mEq/kg/day ( 2.3 ) 2.1. Administration and Monitoring Monitoring Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosages accordingly. For treatment of hypokalemia, monitor potassium levels daily or more often depending on the severity of hypokalemia until they return to normal. Monitor potassium levels monthly to biannually for maintenance or prophylaxis. The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis requires careful attention to acid-base balance, volume status, electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium, electrocardiograms and the clinical status of the patient. Correct volume status, acid-base balance and electrolyte deficits as appropriate.

Administration

Dilute the potassium chloride solution with at least 4 ounces of cold water [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Take with meals or immediately after eating. If serum potassium concentration is <2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation. 2.2.

Adult Dosing

Treatment of hypokalemia: Daily dose range from 40 to 100 mEq. Give in 2 to 5 divided doses: limit doses to 40 mEq per dose. The total daily dose should not exceed 200 mEq in a 24 hour period. Maintenance or Prophylaxis Typical dose is 20 mEq per day. Individualize dose based upon serum potassium levels. Studies support the use of potassium replacement in digitalis toxicity. When alkalosis is present, normokalemia and hyperkalemia may obscure a total potassium deficit. The advisability of use of potassium replacement in the setting of hyperkalemia is uncertain. 2.3.

Pediatric Dosing

Treatment of hypokalemia: Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: The initial dose is 2 to 4 mEq/kg/day in divided doses; do not exceed as a single dose 1 mEq/kg or 40 mEq, whichever is lower; maximum daily doses should not exceed 100 mEq. If deficits are severe or ongoing losses are great, consider intravenous therapy. Maintenance or Prophylaxis Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: Typical dose is 1 mEq/kg/day. Do not exceed 3 mEq/kg/day.

2.1. Administration and Monitoring Monitoring Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosages accordingly. For treatment of hypokalemia, monitor potassium levels daily or more often depending on the severity of hypokalemia until they return to normal. Monitor potassium levels monthly to biannually for maintenance or prophylaxis. The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis requires careful attention to acid-base balance, volume status, electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium, electrocardiograms and the clinical status of the patient. Correct volume status, acid-base balance and electrolyte deficits as appropriate.

Administration

Dilute the potassium chloride solution with at least 4 ounces of cold water [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Take with meals or immediately after eating. If serum potassium concentration is <2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation.

2.2.

Adult Dosing

Treatment of hypokalemia: Daily dose range from 40 to 100 mEq. Give in 2 to 5 divided doses: limit doses to 40 mEq per dose. The total daily dose should not exceed 200 mEq in a 24 hour period. Maintenance or Prophylaxis Typical dose is 20 mEq per day. Individualize dose based upon serum potassium levels. Studies support the use of potassium replacement in digitalis toxicity. When alkalosis is present, normokalemia and hyperkalemia may obscure a total potassium deficit. The advisability of use of potassium replacement in the setting of hyperkalemia is uncertain.

2.3.

Pediatric Dosing

Treatment of hypokalemia: Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: The initial dose is 2 to 4 mEq/kg/day in divided doses; do not exceed as a single dose 1 mEq/kg or 40 mEq, whichever is lower; maximum daily doses should not exceed 100 mEq. If deficits are severe or ongoing losses are great, consider intravenous therapy. Maintenance or Prophylaxis Pediatric patients aged birth to 16 years old: Typical dose is 1 mEq/kg/day. Do not exceed 3 mEq/kg/day.

Contraindications

Potassium citrate extended-release tablets are contraindicated: In patients with hyperkalemia (or who have conditions pre-disposing them to hyperkalemia), as a further rise in serum potassium concentration may produce cardiac arrest. Such conditions include: chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, extensive tissue breakdown or the administration of a potassium-sparing agent (such as triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride). In patients in whom there is cause for arrest or delay in tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract, such as those suffering from delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, intestinal obstruction or stricture, or those taking anticholinergic medication. In patients with peptic ulcer disease because of its ulcerogenic potential. In patients with active urinary tract infection (with either urea-splitting or other organisms, in association with either calcium or struvite stones). The ability of potassium citrate extended-release tablets to increase urinary citrate may be attenuated by bacterial enzymatic degradation of citrate. Moreover, the rise in urinary pH resulting from potassium citrate extended-release tablets therapy might promote further bacterial growth. In patients with renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate of less than 0.7 ml/kg/min), because of the danger of soft tissue calcification and increased risk for the development of hyperkalemia. Patients with hyperkalemia (or who have conditions predisposing them to hyperkalemia). Such conditions include chronic renal failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, acute dehydration, strenuous physical exercise in unconditioned individuals, adrenal insufficiency, extensive tissue breakdown ( 4 ) Patients for whom there is cause for arrest or delay in tablet passage through the gastrointestinal tract such as those suffering from delayed gastric emptying, esophageal compression, intestinal obstruction or stricture ( 4 ) Patients with peptic ulcer disease ( 4 ) Patients with active urinary tract infection ( 4 ) Patients with renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate of less than 0.7 ml/kg/min) ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS Reactions which may occur because of the solution or the 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. Too rapid infusion of hypertonic solutions may cause local pain and venous irritation. Rate of administration should be adjusted according to tolerance. Use of the largest peripheral vein and a small bore needle is recommended. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) Symptoms may result from an excess or deficit of one or more of the ions present in the solution; therefore, frequent monitoring of electrolyte levels is essential. Hypernatremia may be associated with edema and exacerbation of congestive heart failure due to the retention of water, resulting in an expanded extracellular fluid volume. Reactions reported with the use of potassium-containing solutions include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The signs and symptoms of potassium intoxication include paresthesias of the extremities, areflexia, muscular or respiratory paralysis, mental confusion, weakness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, electrocardiographic abnormalities and cardiac arrest. Potassium deficits result in disruption of neuromuscular function, and intestinal ileus and dilatation. If infused in large amounts, chloride ions may cause a loss of bicarbonate ions, resulting in an acidifying effect. The physician should also be alert to the possibility of adverse reactions to drug additives. Prescribing information for drug additives to be administered in this manner should be consulted. 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.

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

Highly Concentrated

Warnings

WARNINGS Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity and infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis and chills, have been reported with products containing potassium chloride and sodium chloride. Stop the infusion immediately if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity or infusion reaction develops. Appropriate therapeutic countermeasures must be instituted as clinically indicated.

Electrolyte Imbalances Hyperkalemia

Potassium-containing solutions, including Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can be asymptomatic and manifest only by increased serum potassium concentrations and/or characteristic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. Cardiac conduction disorders (including complete heart block) and other cardiac arrhythmias, some fatal, can develop at any time during hyperkalemia. Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring may be necessary to aid in the detection of cardiac arrhythmias due to hyperkalemia (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ). To avoid life threatening hyperkalemia, do not administer Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP as an intravenous push (i.e., intravenous injection manually with a syringe connected to the intravenous access) without a quantitative infusion device. Patients at increased risk of developing hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias include those:

  • with conditions predisposing to hyperkalemia and/or associated with increased sensitivity to potassium, such as patients with severe renal impairment, acute dehydration, extensive tissue injury or burns, certain cardiac disorders such as congestive heart failure or atrioventricular (AV) block (especially if they receive digoxin).
  • who are at risk of experiencing hyperosmolality, acidosis, or undergoing correction of alkalosis (conditions associated with a shift of potassium from intracellular to extracellular space).
  • treated concurrently or recently with agents or products that can cause or increase the risk of hyperkalemia (see DRUG INTERACTIONS ).
  • with cardiac arrhythmias. Avoid use of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients with, or at risk for, hyperkalemia. If use cannot be avoided, use a product with a low amount of potassium chloride, infuse slowly and monitor serum potassium concentrations and ECGs. Hypernatremia and Hyperchloremia Electrolyte imbalances such as hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, and metabolic acidosis may occur with Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. Conditions that may increase the risk of hypernatremia, fluid overload and edema (central and peripheral), include patients with: primary hyperaldosteronism; secondary hyperaldosteronism associated with, for example, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver disease (including cirrhosis), renal disease (including renal artery stenosis, nephrosclerosis); and pre-eclampsia. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or corticotropin, may also increase risk of sodium and fluid retention, see DRUG INTERACTIONS .

Avoid Potassium

Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients with, or at risk for, hypernatremia or hyperchloremia. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum sodium and chloride concentrations and acid-base balance. Rapid correction of hypernatremia is potentially dangerous with risk of serious neurologic complications. Excessively rapid correction of hypernatremia is also associated with a risk for serious neurologic complications such as osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) with risk of seizures and cerebral edema.

Hyponatremia Potassium

Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP may cause hyponatremia. Hyponatremia can lead to acute hyponatremic encephalopathy characterized by headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy, and vomiting. Patients with brain edema are at particular risk of severe, irreversible and life-threatening brain injury. The risk of hospital-acquired hyponatremia is increased in patients with cardiac or pulmonary failure, and in patients with non-osmotic vasopressin release (including SIADH) treated with high volume of hypotonic Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. The risk for hyponatremia is increased in pediatric patients, elderly patients, postoperative patients, those with psychogenic polydipsia, and in patients treated with medications that increase the risk of hyponatremia (such as diuretics, certain antiepileptic and psychotropic medications). See DRUG INTERACTIONS . Patients at increased risk for developing complications of hyponatremia such as hyponatremic encephalopathy, include pediatric patients, women (in particular, premenopausal women), patients with hypoxemia, and patients with underlying central nervous system disease.

Avoid Potassium

Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients with or at risk for hyponatremia. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum sodium concentrations. Rapid correction of hyponatremia is potentially dangerous with risk of serious neurologic complications. Brain adaptations reducing risk of cerebral edema make the brain vulnerable to injury when chronic hyponatremia is too rapidly corrected, which is known as osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS). To avoid complications, monitor serum sodium and chloride concentrations, fluid status, acid-base balance, and signs of neurologic complications.

Fluid Overload

Depending on the volume and rate of infusion, and the patient’s underlying clinical condition, the intravenous administration of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP can cause electrolyte disturbances such as overhydration/hypervolemia and congested states including central (e.g., pulmonary edema) and peripheral edema.

Avoid Potassium

Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients with or at risk for fluid and/or solute overloading. If use cannot be avoided, monitor fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations and acid base balance as needed and especially during prolonged use.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS General This solution should be used with care in patients with hypervolemia, renal insufficiency, urinary tract obstruction, or impending or frank cardiac decompensation. Extraordinary electrolyte losses that may occur during protracted nasogastric suction, vomiting, diarrhea or gastrointestinal fistula drainage may necessitate additional electrolyte supplementation. Additional essential electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins should be supplied as needed. Sodium-containing solutions should be administered with caution to patients receiving corticosteroids or corticotropin, or to other salt-retaining patients. Infusion of more than one liter of isotonic (0.9%) sodium chloride may supply more sodium and chloride than normally found in serum, and can exceed normal tolerance, resulting in hypernatremia; this may also cause a loss of bicarbonate ions, resulting in an acidifying effect. Potassium therapy should be guided primarily by serial electrocardiograms, especially in patients receiving digitalis. Serum potassium levels are not necessarily indicative of tissue potassium levels. Solutions containing potassium should be used with caution in the presence of cardiac disease, particularly when accompanied by renal disease. Care should be exercised in administering solutions containing sodium or potassium to patients with renal or cardiovascular insufficiency, with or without congestive heart failure, particularly if they are postoperative or elderly. To minimize the risk of possible incompatibilities arising from mixing this solution with other additives that may be prescribed, the final infusate should be inspected for cloudiness or precipitation immediately after mixing, prior to administration, and periodically during administration. Do not use plastic containers in series connection. If administration is controlled by a pumping device, care must be taken to discontinue pumping action before the container runs dry or air embolism may result. If administration is not controlled by a pumping device, refrain from applying excessive pressure (>300mmHg) causing distortion to the container such as wringing or twisting. Such handling could result in breakage of the container. This solution is intended for intravenous administration using sterile equipment. It is recommended that intravenous administration apparatus be replaced at least once every 24 hours. Use only if solution is clear and container is undamaged.

Laboratory Tests

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. Significant deviations from normal concentrations may require tailoring of the electrolyte pattern, in this or alternative solutions. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Studies with Potassium Chloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential, or effects on fertility. Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Potassium Chloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. It is also not known whether Potassium Chloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity.

Potassium

Chloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Labor and Delivery The effects of Potassium Chloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection on the duration of labor or delivery, on the possibility that forceps delivery or other intervention or resuscitation of the newborn will be necessary, and on the later growth, development, and functional maturation of the child are unknown. As reported in the literature, potassium containing solutions have been administered during labor and delivery. Caution should be exercised, and the fluid balance, glucose and electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance, of both mother and fetus should be evaluated periodically or whenever warranted by the condition of the patient or fetus.

Nursing

Mothers It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Potassium Chloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection in pediatric patients has not been established by adequate and well-controlled studies. However, as referenced in the medical literature, potassium chloride injection has been used to treat pediatric patients with potassium deficiency when oral replacement therapy is not feasible. For patients receiving potassium supplement at greater than maintenance rates, frequent monitoring of serum potassium levels and serial EKGs are recommended. In neonates or in very small infants even small volumes of fluid may affect fluid and electrolyte balance. Care must be exercised in treatment of neonates, especially preterm neonates, whose renal function may be immature and whose ability to excrete fluid and solute loads may be limited. Fluid intake, urine output, and serum electrolytes should be monitored closely. See WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. See WARNINGS .

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions Lithium Renal sodium and lithium clearance may be increased during administration of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP and result in decreased lithium concentrations. Monitor serum lithium concentrations during concomitant use.

Other

Products that Cause Hyperkalemia Administration of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients treated concurrently or recently with products that are associated with hyperkalemia increases the risk of severe and potentially fatal hyperkalemia, in particular in the presence of other risk factors for hyperkalemia. Avoid use of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients receiving such products (e.g., potassium sparing diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or the immunosuppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus). If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium concentrations.

Other

Products that Affect Fluid and/or Electrolyte Balance Administration of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients treated concomitantly with medications associated with sodium and fluid retention may increase the risk of hypernatremia and volume overload. Avoid use of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients receiving such products, such as corticosteroids or corticotropin. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum electrolytes, fluid balance, and acid-base balance.

Other

Drugs that Increase the Risk of Hyponatremia Administration of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients treated concomitantly with medications associated with hyponatremia may increase the risk of developing hyponatremia. Avoid use of Potassium Chloride in Sodium Chloride Injection, USP in patients receiving products, such as diuretics, and certain antiepileptic and psychotropic medications. Drugs that increase the vasopressin effect reduce renal electrolyte free water excretion and may also increase the risk of hyponatremia following treatment with intravenous fluids. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum sodium concentrations.

Active Ingredient

Active ingredients** (in each pellet) Eugenia jambosa 6C HPUS (0.44 mg) Kali bromatum 30C HPUS (0.44 mg) (contains less than 10 -12 mg bromine) Selenium metallicum 6C HPUS (0.44 mg) (contains less than 10 -12 mg selenium) The letters "HPUS" indicate that components in this product are officially monographed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States.

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients (Gentle Whitening) water, sorbitol, hydrated silica, glycerin, PEG-8, cocamidopropyl betaine, flavor, titanium dioxide, xanthan gum, sodium saccharin, sodium hydroxide

Inactive ingredients (Daily Protection) water, sorbitol, hydrated silica, glycerin, PEG-8, cocamidopropyl betaine, flavor, xanthan gum, sodium saccharin, titanium dioxide, sodium hydroxide

Inactive ingredients (Fresh Breath) water, sorbitol, hydrated silica, glycerin, PEG-8, cocamidopropyl betaine, flavor, xanthan gum, sodium saccharin, titanium dioxide, sodium hydroxide

Inactive ingredients (Multi-Action) water, sorbitol, hydrated silica, glycerin, flavor, cocamidopropyl betaine, xanthan gum, sodium saccharin, mica, titanium dioxide, sodium hydroxide