Caution: This deficit cannot be corrected rapidly. The infusion should not
exceed 10 to 20 mEq per hour or the patient may experience hyperkalemia and can
experience cardiac arrest. Be alert that infusions containing potassium may cause
pain at the IV insertion site. If urine output is <30 mL/hour notify prescriber.
Infusions should not contain more than 60 mEq/L of potassium chloride (KCl).
40 mEq/L is the preferred amount to add to 1000 mL of intravenous solution.
Warning: NEVER give potassium as an intravenous push or intravenous
bolus. This will cause immediate cardiac arrest which is not reversible with
CHAPTER 10 Fluid and Electrolyte Therapy^167
Potassium Supplements Description
10% potassium chloride 20 mEq/15 mL oral
20% potassium chloride 40 mEq/16 mL oral
10% Kaochlor Oral
Potassium triplex (potassium Oral, rarely used
actetate, bicarbonate, citrate)
Kaon (potassium gluconate) Enteric-coated tablet. Maintenance: 20 mEq
in 1–2 divided dose
Kaon-Cl (potassium chloride) Enteric-coated tablet. Maintenance: 20 mEq
in 1–2 divided dose
Slow-K (potassium chloride) Enteric-coated tablet. Maintenance: 8 mEq
Kaochlor (potassium chloride) Correction: 40–80 mEq in 3–4 divided doses
K-Lyte (potassium bicarbonate) Effervescent tablet. Correction: 40–80 mEq
in 3–4 divided doses
K-Lyte/Cl (potassium chloride) Effervescent tablet. Correction: 40–80 mEq
in 3–4 divided doses
K-Dur (potassium chloride) Effervescent tablet. Correction: 40–80 mEq
in 3–4 divided doses
Micro-K (potassium chloride) Effervescent tablet. Correction: 40–80 mEq
in 3–4 divided doses
Potassium chloride Clear liquid in multi-dose vial or ampule:
2 mEq/mL
Potassium chloride IV: 20–40 mEq diluted in 1 L of IV solutionTable 10-1. Potassium supplements.