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Potassium Chloride

Uses of Potassium Chloride

  • The primary use of Potassium Chloride is to prevent and manage low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). It belongs to the class of medications known as electrolyte replenishers.

  • Additionally, it may be used in patients with severe fluid loss due to prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, those who take diuretics which promote urinary potassium excretion, have hormonal problems affecting potassium balance, cannot get enough dietary potassium due to restricted diets, or require potassium supplementation during medical treatment.

Side effects of Potassium Chloride

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Stomach pain

  • Gas, bloating

  • Diarrhoea or constipation

How Potassium Chloride works

  • Potassium Chloride is an electrolyte replenisher. Once taken orally, Potassium Chloride breaks down into potassium and chloride ions in the digestive tract. These ions are then absorbed into the bloodstream to replace the body's potassium stores. This helps bring the blood potassium concentration back to the normal range of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.

Certified content

Written By

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Dr. Michelle FrankMedical Content Writer| 8 years

Doctor of Medicine

Reviewed By

Dr. Chhavi Rosha
Dr. Chhavi Rosha Health & Medical Content Writer| 8 years

BMS, FMC, MD Resident

Expert Advice

Dosage forms available

  • Potassium Chloride can be taken orally (tablet, oral solution or syrup, effervescent tablets for dissolving in water, and powder for reconstitution), and administered intravenously (infusion).

Age and dose restrictions

  • Potassium Chloride can be used by adults, and children over the age of 2 years.

Contraindications

  • Potassium Chloride is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood), severe kidney impairment, untreated Addison's disease, severe tissue injury, and dehydration.

Other medications to avoid

  • Potassium Chloride may interact with medications that increase serum potassium, such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., losartan, valsartan), potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene) and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).

Overdose and missed dose

  • Overdosing on Potassium Chloride can lead to hyperkalemia, which may cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, or numbness. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

  • If you miss a dose of Potassium Chloride, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Management of side effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

  • Drinking plenty of water can help manage some of the gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach discomfort, nausea, and diarrhoea.

  • Taking Potassium Chloride with food can also help minimise stomach irritation.

Use in driving and operating machinery

  • Potassium Chloride does not usually interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or fatigue after taking this medication, it is advisable to avoid these activities.

Use in pregnancy and lactation

  • Potassium Chloride should only be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding if clearly needed and as directed by your doctor.

Caution in other conditions

  • Care should be taken when using Potassium Chloride in patients with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or gastrointestinal ulcers due to the potential for increased risk of hyperkalemia.

Special dietary and lifestyle recommendations

  • It is advisable to eat a balanced diet rich in potassium. Foods like bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, raisins, dates, prunes, avocados, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, lentils, beans, yoghurt, fish and meat are good sources.

  • Limit the intake of salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium.

  • Regular monitoring of your potassium levels is recommended.

Frequently asked questions

No, Potassium Chloride is not a steroid.

Potassium Chloride is not associated with affecting sleep. However, if you are experiencing changes in your sleep patterns after starting this medication, consult your doctor.

Potassium Chloride is not directly associated with affecting fertility. However, if you have concerns, always discuss with your doctor.

Potassium Chloride should be taken as per the recommendation of your doctor and should not be taken more or less than the prescribed dose.

Potassium Chloride begins working as soon as it is absorbed into the bloodstream; however, the time it takes to notice an improvement in symptoms varies for each individual and their specific health condition.

Potassium Chloride is generally advised to take it with meals to reduce the possibility of stomach irritation.

Potassium Chloride is not associated with affecting mood. However, maintaining balanced potassium levels may contribute to overall well-being and mood stability.

Terms & Conditions


Available medicines for POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Kcl Injection 10ml
Kcl Injection 10ml
American Remedies Healthcare Private Limited
Pack of 10 ML
â‚ą13.31
MRP â‚ą26.67
50.10% OFF
Kesol 20 Raspberry Flavoured Sugar Free Solution 200ml
Kesol 20 Raspberry Flavoured Sugar Free Solution 200ml
Eisen Pharmaceuticals Co. Pvt. Ltd
Pack of 200 ML
â‚ą220.00
MRP â‚ą245.81
10.50% OFF
Potachloride Pr 750 Tablet 10
Potachloride Pr 750 Tablet 10
Steris Healthcare
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â‚ą47.41
MRP â‚ą95.00
50.10% OFF
Keylyte Solution 200ml
Keylyte Solution 200ml
Wallace Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Pack of 200 ML
â‚ą54.63
MRP â‚ą67.20
18.70% OFF
Kcl Injection 10 ML
Kcl Injection 10 ML
Hindustan Lab
Pack of 10 ML
â‚ą24.71
MRP â‚ą30.13
18.00% OFF
Addkay Tablet 10
Addkay Tablet 10
Steadfast Medishield Pvt Ltd
Pack of 10 Units
â‚ą84.10
MRP â‚ą100.00
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Potachloride Cherry Flavour Sugar Free Syrup 200ml
Potachloride Cherry Flavour Sugar Free Syrup 200ml
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Pack of 200 ML
â‚ą43.54
MRP â‚ą64.50
32.49% OFF
Potklor Cherry Flavour Sugar Free Solution 200ml
Potklor Cherry Flavour Sugar Free Solution 200ml
Walter Bushnell
Pack of 200 ML
â‚ą56.65
MRP â‚ą67.20
15.70% OFF

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