On this page
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Chloride | 10 meq/100mL | 628953 | View |
| Potassium Chloride | 10 meq/50mL | 628953 | View |
| Potassium Chloride | 14.9 mg/mL | 628953 | View |
| Potassium Chloride | 20 meq/100mL | 628953 | View |
| Potassium Chloride | 20 meq/50mL | 628953 | View |
| Potassium Chloride | 29.8 mg/mL | 628953 | View |
| Potassium Chloride | 40 meq/100mL | 628953 | View |
| Potassium Chloride | 7.45 mg/mL | 628953 | View |
Forms, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 211087-001 | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 10MEQ | INJECTABLE | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | Prescription | AP | ||
| 211087-002 | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 10MEQ | INJECTABLE | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | Prescription | AP | ||
| 211087-003 | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 20MEQ | INJECTABLE | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | Prescription | AP | ||
| 211087-004 | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 40MEQ | INJECTABLE | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | Prescription | AP | ||
| 211087-005 | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 20MEQ | INJECTABLE | POTASSIUM CHLORIDE | Prescription | AP |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | August 7, 2023 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 7, 2021 | Unknown |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | September 9, 2020 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · October 30, 2020
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20240723). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium Chloride Injection is indicated in the treatment of potassium deficiency states when oral replacement is not feasible. THIS HIGHLY CONCENTRATED, READY-TO-USE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION IS INTENDED FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SERUM K + LEVELS AND FOR POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTATION IN FLUID RESTRICTED PATIENTS WHO CANNOT ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL VOLUMES OF FLUID ASSOCIATED WITH POTASSIUM SOLUTIONS OF LOWER CONCENTRATION. When using these products, these patients should be on continuous cardiac monitoring and frequent testing for serum potassium concentration and acid-base balance.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The dose and rate of administration are dependent upon the specific condition of each patient. Administer intravenously only with a calibrated infusion device at a slow, controlled rate. Highest concentrations (400 mEq/L) should be exclusively administered via central intravenous route. Whenever possible, administration via a central route is recommended for all concentrations of Potassium Chloride Injection for thorough dilution by the blood stream and decreasing the risk of extravasation and to avoid pain and phlebitis associated with peripheral infusion (see WARNINGS ). Correct placement of the catheter should be verified before administration. Recommended administration rates should not usually exceed 10 mEq per hour or 200 mEq for a 24 hour period if the serum potassium level is greater than 2.5 mEq per liter. In urgent cases where the serum potassium level is less than 2.0 mEq per liter or where severe hypokalemia is a threat, (serum potassium level less than 2.0 mEq per liter and electrocardiographic changes and/or muscle paralysis), rates up to 40 mEq per hour or 400 mEq over a 24 hour period can be administered very carefully when guided by continuous monitoring of the EKG and frequent serum K + determinations to avoid hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not administer unless solution is clear and seal is intact. Use of a final filter is recommended during administration of all parenteral solutions where possible. Do not add supplementary medication.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium Chloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with: hyperkalemia known hypersensitivity to Potassium Chloride Injection
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Hyperkalemia THIS HIGHLY CONCENTRATED, READY-TO-USE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION IS INTENDED FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SERUM K + LEVELS AND FOR POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTATION IN FLUID RESTRICTED PATIENTS WHO CANNOT ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL VOLUMES OF FLUID ASSOCIATED WITH POTASSIUM SOLUTIONS OF LOWER CONCENTRATION. TO AVOID POTASSIUM INTOXICATION, DO NOT INFUSE THESE SOLUTIONS RAPIDLY. Potassium Chloride Injection should be administered with extreme caution, if at all, to patients 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 AV block, potassium-aggravated skeletal muscle channelopathies (e.g., hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonia congenita, and potassium-aggravated myotonia/ paramyotonia). Potassium Chloride Injection should be administered with caution to patients who are at risk of experiencing hyperosmolality, acidosis, or undergo correction of alkalosis (conditions associated with a shift of potassium from intracellular to extracellular space) and patients treated concurrently or recently with agents or products that can cause hyperkalemia (see PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions ). If used in high-risk patients, especially close monitoring and careful dose selection and adjustment is required. PATIENTS REQUIRING HIGHLY CONCENTRATED SOLUTIONS SHOULD BE KEPT ON CONTINUOUS CARDIAC MONITORING AND UNDERGO FREQUENT TESTING FOR SERUM POTASSIUM AND ACID-BASE BALANCE, ESPECIALLY IF THEY RECEIVE DIGITALIS. Administration of concentrated potassium solutions can cause cardiac conduction disorders (including complete heart block) and other cardiac arrhythmias at any time during infusion. Continuous cardiac monitoring is performed to aid in the detection of cardiac arrhythmias due to a sudden increase in serum potassium concentration (e.g., when potassium infusion is started), or transient or sustained hyperkalemia (see ADVERSE REACTIONS and OVERDOSAGE ). Frequently, mild or moderate hyperkalemia is asymptomatic and may be manifested only by increased serum potassium concentrations and, possibly, characteristic EKG changes. However, fatal arrhythmias can develop at any time during hyperkalemia. Serum potassium levels are not necessarily indicative of tissue potassium levels. Tissue Damage and Thrombophlebitis When infusing concentrated potassium solutions, including Potassium Chloride Injection, care must be taken to prevent paravenous administration or extravasation because such solutions may be associated with tissue damage, which may be severe and include vascular, nerve, and tendon damage, leading to surgical intervention, including amputation. Secondary complications including pulmonary embolism from thrombophlebitis have been reported as a consequence of tissue damage from potassium chloride. Administer intravenously only with a calibrated infusion device at a slow, controlled rate. (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Highest concentrations (400 mEq per L) should be exclusively administered via central intravenous route. Whenever possible, administration via a central route is recommended for all concentrations of Potassium Chloride Injection for thorough dilution by the blood stream and decreasing the risk of extravasation and to avoid pain and phlebitis associated with peripheral infusion. Correct placement of the catheter should be verified before administration. Hyponatremia Monitoring of serum sodium is particularly important for hypotonic fluids. Potassium Chloride Injection has an osmolarity of 200 to 799 mOsmol/L (see DESCRIPTION ). Potassium Chloride Injection may cause hyponatremia. 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 (su …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Potassium Chloride Injection were identified in postmarketing reports. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency, reliably, or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity, as manifested by rash and angioedema Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Hyperkalemia, hyponatremia Cardiac disorders: Cardiac arrest*, asystole*, ventricular fibrillation*, bradycardia *as a manifestation of rapid intravenous administration and/or of hyperkalemia Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Dyspnea General disorders and administration site conditions: Chest pain, infusion site thrombosis, infusion site phlebitis, infusion site erythema, infusion site swelling, infusion site pain, infusion site irritation, and/or a burning sensation. Nervous System Disorders: Hyponatremic encephalopathy The following adverse reactions were reported in association with extravasation: Skin necrosis, skin ulcer, soft tissue necrosis, muscle necrosis, nerve injury, tendon injury, and vascular injury. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800- 551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug LabelingDrug Interactions Other Products that Cause Hyperkalemia Administration of Potassium Chloride Injection in patients treated concurrently or recently with other products that can cause hyperkalemia or increase the risk of hyperkalemia, (e.g., potassium- sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, cyclosporine and tacrolimus) increases the risk of severe and potentially fatal hyperkalemia, in particular in the presence of other risk factors for hyperkalemia (see WARNINGS ). Avoid use of Potassium Chloride Injection in patients receiving such products. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium concentrations. Other Drugs that Increase the Risk of Hyponatremia Administration of Potassium Chloride Injection in patients treated concomitantly with drugs associated with hyponatremia may increase the risk of developing hyponatremia (see WARNINGS ). Avoid use of Potassium Chloride Injection in patients receiving drugs that may increase the risk of hyponatremia, such as diuretics and antiepileptics. 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.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION This Potassium Chloride Injection, is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, highly concentrated, ready-to-use, solution of Potassium Chloride, USP in Water for Injection, USP for electrolyte replenishment in a single dose container for intravenous administration. It contains no antimicrobial agents. *Normal physiologic osmolarity range is approximately 280 to 310 mOsmol/L. Administration of substantially hypertonic solutions (≥ 600 mOsmol/L) may cause vein damage. Composition (g/L) Osmolarity* (mOsmol/L) (calc) pH Ionic Concentration (mEq/L) Potassium Chloride Injection mEq Potassium/Container Potassium Chloride, USP (KCI) Potassium Chloride 10 mEq/100 mL 7.46 200 5.0 (4.0 to 8.0) 100 100 10 mEq/50 mL 20 mEq/100 mL 14.9 400 5.0 (4.0 to 8.0) 200 200 20 mEq/50 mL 40 mEq/100 mL 29.8 799 5.0 (4.0 to 8.0) 400 400 The flexible plastic container is fabricated from a specially formulated non-plasticized, film containing polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomers ( free flex ® bag). Exposure to temperatures above 25°C/77°F during transport and storage will lead to minor losses in moisture content. Higher temperatures lead to greater losses. It is unlikely that these minor losses will lead to clinically significant changes within the expiration period. The amount of water that can permeate from inside the container into the overwrap is insufficient to affect the solution significantly. Solutions in contact with the flexible container can leach out certain of the container's chemical components in very small amounts within the expiration period. The suitability of the container material has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological tests for plastic containers.
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Potassium overdose can cause potentially fatal hyperkalemia. Manifestations of hyperkalemia include: Disturbances in cardiac conduction and arrhythmias, including bradycardia, heart block, asystole, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation Hypotension Muscle weakness up to and including muscular and respiratory paralysis, paresthesia Gastrointestinal symptoms (ileus, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) Frequently, mild or moderate hyperkalemia is asymptomatic and may be manifested only by increased serum potassium concentrations and, possibly, characteristic electrocardiographic changes. However, fatal arrhythmias can develop at any time. In addition to arrhythmias and conduction disorders, the EKG shows progressive changes that occur with increasing potassium levels. Possible changes include: Peaking of T waves, Loss of P waves, and QRS widening. However, the correlation between potassium levels and EKG changes is not precise, and whether or at which potassium level certain EKG signs develop depends on factors such as patient sensitivity, the presence of other electrolyte disorders, and the rapidity of the development of hyperkalemia. The presence of any EKG findings that are suspected to be caused by hyperkalemia should be considered a medical emergency. In the event of hyperkalemia, discontinue the infusion immediately and institute close EKG, laboratory and other monitoring and, as necessary, corrective therapy to reduce serum potassium levels as necessary. The use of potassium containing foods or medications must also be eliminated. Treatment of mild to severe hyperkalemia with signs and symptoms of potassium intoxication includes the following: Dextrose Injection, USP, 10% or 25%, containing 10 units of crystalline insulin per 20 grams of dextrose administered intravenously, 300 to 500 mL per hour. Absorption and exchange of potassium using sodium or ammonium cycle cation exchange resin, orally and as retention enema. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In cases of digitalization, too rapid a lowering of plasma potassium concentration can cause digitalis toxicity.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Potassium Chloride Injection in free flex ® is available as follows: Product Code Unit of Use Strength Unit of Sale 129121 NDC 65219-012-00 one 100 mL fill in 100 mL free flex ® bag 10 mEq/100 mL NDC 65219-012-01 Package of 50 free flex ® bags 129041 NDC 65219-004-00 one 50 mL fill in 100 mL free flex ® bag 10 mEq/50 mL NDC 65219-004-01 Package of 60 free flex ® bags 129061 NDC 65219-006-00 one 100 mL fill in 100 mL free flex ® bag 20 mEq/100 mL NDC 65219-006-01 Package of 50 free flex ® bags 129081 NDC 65219-008-50 one 50 mL fill in 100 mL free flex ® bag 20 mEq/50 mL NDC 65219-008-51 Package of 60 free flex ® bags 129101 NDC 65219-010-00 one 100 mL fill in 100 mL free flex ® bag 40 mEq/100 mL NDC 65219-010-01 Package of 50 free flex ® bags Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Exposure of pharmaceutical products to heat should be minimized. Avoid excessive heat. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Non-PVC, Non-DEHP, Sterile.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65219-004-01 | 65219-004 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 60 BAG in 1 CARTON (65219-004-01) / 50 mL in 1 BAG (65219-004-00) | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-006-01 | 65219-006 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 50 BAG in 1 CARTON (65219-006-01) / 100 mL in 1 BAG (65219-006-00) | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-008-51 | 65219-008 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 60 BAG in 1 CARTON (65219-008-51) / 50 mL in 1 BAG (65219-008-50) | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-010-01 | 65219-010 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 50 BAG in 1 CARTON (65219-010-01) / 100 mL in 1 BAG (65219-010-00) | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-012-01 | 65219-012 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 50 BAG in 1 CARTON (65219-012-01) / 100 mL in 1 BAG (65219-012-00) | June 25, 2021 |
| 14789-107-05 | 14789-107 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | 24 BAG in 1 BOX (14789-107-05) / 50 mL in 1 BAG (14789-107-08) | February 28, 2021 |
| 14789-107-10 | 14789-107 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | 24 BAG in 1 BOX (14789-107-10) / 100 mL in 1 BAG (14789-107-16) | April 2, 2021 |
| 14789-108-05 | 14789-108 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | 24 BAG in 1 BOX (14789-108-05) / 50 mL in 1 BAG (14789-108-08) | February 28, 2021 |
| 14789-108-10 | 14789-108 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | 24 BAG in 1 BOX (14789-108-10) / 100 mL in 1 BAG (14789-108-16) | April 2, 2021 |
| 14789-109-10 | 14789-109 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | 24 BAG in 1 BOX (14789-109-10) / 100 mL in 1 BAG (14789-109-16) | February 28, 2021 |
| 65219-004 | 65219-004 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-006 | 65219-006 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-008 | 65219-008 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-010 | 65219-010 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | June 25, 2021 |
| 65219-012 | 65219-012 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | June 25, 2021 |
| 14789-107 | 14789-107 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | — | February 28, 2021 |
| 14789-108 | 14789-108 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | — | February 28, 2021 |
| 14789-109 | 14789-109 | Nexus Pharamaceuticals Inc. | — | February 28, 2021 |
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.