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Potassium Chloride for Oral Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Increased Large Intestinal Motility [PE] | PE | All 83 members |
| Inhibition Large Intestine Fluid/Electrolyte Absorption [PE] | PE | All 83 members |
| Osmotic Activity [MoA] | MoA | All 105 members |
| Osmotic Laxative [EPC] | EPC | All 103 members |
| Potassium Compounds [CS] | CS | All 49 members |
| Potassium Salt [EPC] | EPC | All 49 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212183-001 | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | FOR SOLUTION | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | Prescription | AA |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — no known or suspected bioequivalence problems (conventional dosage forms)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | May 6, 2019 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250801). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium Chloride oral solution is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. Potassium Chloride oral solution is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE 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.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Oral Solution 10%: 1.3 mEq potassium per mL Oral Solution 20%: 2.6 mEq potassium per mL Oral Solution: 10%; 1.3 mEq potassium per mL (3) Oral Solution: 20%; 2.6 mEq potassium per mL (3)
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium chloride is contraindicated in patients on potassium sparing diuretics. • Concomitant use with potassium sparing diuretics. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS . • Gastrointestinal Irritation: Dilute before use, take with meals ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Gastrointestinal Irritation May cause gastrointestinal irritation if administered undiluted. Increased dilution of the solution and taking with meals may reduce gastrointestinal irritation [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea. Most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Marlex Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-582-1953 or drugsafety@marlexpharm.com or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS . • Potassium sparing diuretics: Avoid concomitant use ( 7.1 ) • Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.2 ) • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs: Monitor for hyperkalemia ( 7.3 ) 7.1 Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Use with potassium-sparing diuretics can produce severe hyperkalemia. Avoid concomitant use. 7.2 Renin-Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Aldosterone System Inhibitors Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, eplerenone, or aliskiren produce potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Closely monitor potassium in patients receiving concomitant RAAS therapy. 7.3 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin-angiotensin system. Closely monitor potassium in patients on concomitant NSAIDs.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS . Cirrhosis: Initiate therapy at the low end of the dosing range (8.6) Renal Impairment: Initiate therapy at the low end of the dosing range (8.7) Revised: 06/2025 8.1 Pregnancy There are no human data related to use of Potassium Chloride during pregnancy, and animal studies have not been conducted. Potassium supplementation that does not lead to hyperkalemia is not expected to cause fetal harm. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary The normal potassium ion content of human milk is about 13 mEq per liter. Since potassium from oral supplements such as Potassium Chloride becomes part of the body potassium pool, as long as body potassium is not excessive, the contribution of potassium chloride supplementation should have little or no effect on the level in human milk. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of potassium chloride have been demostrated in children with diarrhea and malnutrition from birth to 16 years. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Potassium Chloride 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 the 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. 8.6 Cirrhotics Patients with cirrhosis should usually be started at the low end of the dosing range, and the serum potassium level should be monitored frequently. [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 8.7 Renal Impairment Patients with renal impairment have reduced urinary excretion of potassium and are at substantially increased risk of hyperkalemia. Patients with impaired renal function, particularly if the patient is on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, should usually be started at the low end of the dosing range because of the potential for development of hyperkalemia. The serum potassium level should be monitored frequently. Renal function should be assessed periodically.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Potassium Chloride is a white crystalline or colorless solid. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. Chemically, Potassium Chloride is K-Cl with a molecular mass of 74.55. Oral Solution: 10%: Each 15 mL of solution contains 1.5 g of potassium chloride, USP and the following inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, FD&C Yellow #6, glycerin, natural/artificial orange flavor, purified water, methylparaben, propyl paraben, trisodium citrate dihydrate, sucralose. Oral Solution 20%: Each 15 mL of solution contains 3.0 g of potassium chloride, USP and the following inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, FD&C Yellow #6, glycerin, natural/artificial orange flavor, purified water, methylparaben, propyl paraben, trisodium citrate dihydrate, sucralose.
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE . 10.1 Symptoms The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired or if potassium is administered too rapidly potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result. Hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5–8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-waves, depression of S-T segment, and prolongation of the QT-interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9–12 mEq/L). 10.2 Treatment Treatment measures for hyperkalemia include the following: 1. Monitor closely for arrhythmias and electrolyte changes. 2. Eliminate foods and medications containing potassium and of any agents with potassium-sparing properties such as potassium-sparing diuretics, ARBS, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDS, certain nutritional supplements and many others. 3. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate if the patient is at no risk or low risk of developing digitalis toxicity. 4. Administer intravenously 300 to 500 mL/hr of 10% dextrose solution containing 10 to 20 units of crystalline insulin per 1000 mL. 5. Correct acidosis, if present, with intravenous sodium bicarbonate. 6. Use exchange resins, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis. In patients who have been stabilized on digitalis, too rapid a lowering of the serum potassium concentration can produce digitalis toxicity.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Potassium chloride oral solution, USP is an orange solution available in two strengths as follows: 10%: 20 mEq/15 mL oral solution NDC# 10135-0819-08 Bottle of 473 mL 20%: 40 mEq/15 mL oral solution NDC# 10135-0820-08 Bottle of 473 mL Storage Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP PROTECT from LIGHT and FREEZING. Rx only Manufactured for/ Distributed by: Marlex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. New Castle, DE 19720 Rev. 06/25 AP
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: POTASSIUM CHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10135-819-08 | 10135-819 | Marlex Pharmaceuticals Inc | 1.58 g in 1 BOTTLE (10135-819-08) | August 1, 2025 |
| 10135-820-08 | 10135-820 | Marlex Pharmaceuticals Inc | 3 g in 1 BOTTLE (10135-820-08) | August 1, 2025 |
| 10135-819 | 10135-819 | Marlex Pharmaceuticals Inc | — | August 1, 2025 |
| 10135-820 | 10135-820 | Marlex Pharmaceuticals Inc | — | August 1, 2025 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.