POTASSIUM CHLORIDE

Fluid balance, serum glucose, serum sodium and other electrolytes may need to be monitored before and during administration, especially in patients with increased non-osmotic vasopressin release (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, SIADH) and in patients co-medicated with vasopressin agonist drugs due to the risk of hyponatraemia.

Monitoring of serum sodium is particularly important for physiologically hypotonic fluids. 8). Adults The volume and rate of infusion will depend upon the requirements of the individual patient and judgement of the physician. Children The volume and rate of infusion will depend upon the requirements of the individual patient and the judgement of the physician.

Correspondingly, reduced volumes and rates of infusion may be required. Elderly A reduced volume and rate of infusion may be necessary to avoid circulatory overload, particularly in patients with cardiac or renal insufficiency. Method of Administration Solution for Infusion

Adverse effects are usually due to hyperkalaemia and include listlessness, mental confusion, parasthesiae, weakness, hypertension, arrhythmias and sometimes cardiac arrest. Thrombosis of the selected vein may occasionally occur. 4). Reporting of Suspected adverse reactions Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important.

It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Potassium Chloride and Glucose Solutions for Infusion are usually isotonic solutions. 2). Depending on the tonicity of the solution, the volume and rate of infusion and depending on a patient's underlying clinical condition and capability to metabolize glucose, intravenous administration of glucose can cause electrolyte disturbances most importantly hypo- or hyperosmotic hyponatraemia.

g. 5) are at particular risk of acute hyponatraemia upon infusion of hypotonic fluids. Acute hyponatraemia can lead to acute hyponatraemic encephalopathy (brain oedema) characterized by headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy and vomiting.

Patients with brain oedema are at particular risk of severe, irreversible and life-threatening brain injury. g. meningitis, intracranial bleeding, and cerebral contusion) are at particular risk of the severe and life-threatening brain swelling caused by acute hyponatraemia.

Caution should be exercised in the volume and rate of infusion since fluid overload and hyperkalaemia may compromise cardiac function. Before administering potassium by the intravenous route a non-potassium containing hydrating solution should be administered to ensure adequate renal function.

The label states:

Rapid infusion may be harmful. Do not use unless the solution is clear and free from particles. Contains 10 mmol Potassium (500 ml) Contains 20 mmol Potassium (1000 ml)

Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency, acute or chronic renal disease, oliguria, anuria and patients with hyperkalaemia. Potassium Chloride and Glucose Solutions for Infusion may also be hazardous in, patients with impaired hepatic function.