Potassium chloride (medical use)

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Potassium chloride
Kabi Kalium Chloratum 150mg-per-ml 10ml - stack.jpg
Clinical data
Pronunciationpoe tass' i um klor' ide
Trade names Kay-Cee-L, Slow-K, others
AHFS/Drugs.com Professional Drug Facts
License data
Routes of
administration 		By mouth, intravenous
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
Chemical and physical data
Formula ClK
Molar mass 74.55 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • [Cl-].[K+]
  • InChI=1S/ClH.K/h1H;/q;+1/p-1
  • Key:WCUXLLCKKVVCTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M

Potassium chloride, also known as potassium salt, is used as a medication to treat and prevent low blood potassium. [2] Low blood potassium may occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medications. [3] The concentrated version should be diluted before use. [2] It is given by slow injection into a vein or by mouth. [4]

Contents

Side effects may include heart problems if given too quickly by injection into a vein. [4] By mouth it can result in abdominal pain, peptic ulcer disease, or gastrointestinal bleeding. [4] Greater care is recommended in those with kidney problems. [2] As long as high blood potassium does not occur, use in pregnancy or breastfeeding is believed to be safe for the baby. [5] Generally, the strength of the formulation for injection into a vein should not be greater than 40 mmol/L (3 mg/L). [4]

Potassium chloride came into large scale commercial use as a fertilizer in 1861 and has been used medically since the 1950s. [6] [7] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. [8] Potassium chloride is available as a generic medication. [4] In 2022, it was the 35th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 16 million prescriptions. [9] [10]

Medical uses

Potassium chloride is used in the treatment of hypokalemia as an electrolyte replenisher. [11]

Potassium chloride contains 52% of elemental potassium by mass. [12]

Side effects

Side effects can include gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding of the digestive tract.[ medical citation needed ]

Overdoses cause hyperkalemia, which can lead to paresthesia, cardiac conduction blocks, fibrillation, arrhythmias, and sclerosis. [13]

Because of the risk of small-bowel lesions, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires some potassium salts containing more than 99 mg (about 1.3 mEq) to be labeled with a warning, [14] while recommending an adult daily intake of 4700 mg (about 63 mEq).

History

Slow-K is a 1950s development where the medicine is formulated to enter the bloodstream at delayed intervals. It was first only prescribed to British military forces to balance their diets while serving in Korea. [15]

Society and culture

Brand names

Brand names include K-Dur, Klor-Con, Micro-K, Slow-K, Sando-K, and Kaon Cl.

Lethal injection

Potassium chloride is used in lethal injection as the third of a three-drug combination. KCl is also sometimes used in fetal intracardiac injections in second- and third-trimester induced abortions. [16] [17] Jack Kevorkian's thanatron machine injected a lethal dose of potassium chloride into the patient, which caused the heart to stop functioning, after a sodium thiopental-induced coma was achieved. [18]

Cardiac arrest induced by potassium has been used in political assassinations in Iran, by injection or by inserting a potassium suppository into the victim's rectum. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potassium chloride</span> Ionic compound (KCl)

Potassium chloride is a metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine. It is odorless and has a white or colorless vitreous crystal appearance. The solid dissolves readily in water, and its solutions have a salt-like taste. Potassium chloride can be obtained from ancient dried lake deposits. KCl is used as a fertilizer, in medicine, in scientific applications, domestic water softeners, and in food processing, where it may be known as E number additive E508.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suxamethonium chloride</span> Chemical compound

Suxamethonium chloride, also known as suxamethonium or succinylcholine, or simply sux in medical abbreviation, is a medication used to cause short-term paralysis as part of general anesthesia. This is done to help with tracheal intubation or electroconvulsive therapy. It is administered by injection, either into a vein or into a muscle. When used in a vein, onset of action is generally within one minute and effects last for up to 10 minutes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Furosemide</span> Loop diuretic medication

Furosemide, sold under the brand name Lasix among others, is a loop diuretic medication used to treat edema due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. Furosemide may also be used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be taken intravenously or orally. When given intravenously, furosemide typically takes effect within five minutes; when taken orally, it typically metabolizes within an hour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydrochlorothiazide</span> Diuretic medication

Hydrochlorothiazide, sold under the brand name Hydrodiuril among others, is a diuretic medication used to treat hypertension and swelling due to fluid build-up. Other uses include treating diabetes insipidus and renal tubular acidosis and to decrease the risk of kidney stones in those with a high calcium level in the urine. Hydrochlorothiazide is taken by mouth and may be combined with other blood pressure medications as a single pill to increase effectiveness. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide medication which inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions from the distal convoluted tubules of the kidneys, causing a natriuresis. This initially increases urine volume and lowers blood volume. It is believed to reduce peripheral vascular resistance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hyperkalemia</span> Excess potassium in the blood

Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium (K+) in the blood. Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L) with levels above 5.5 mmol/L defined as hyperkalemia. Typically hyperkalemia does not cause symptoms. Occasionally when severe it can cause palpitations, muscle pain, muscle weakness, or numbness. Hyperkalemia can cause an abnormal heart rhythm which can result in cardiac arrest and death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypokalemia</span> Insufficient potassium in the blood

Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K+) in the blood serum. Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bumetanide</span> A loop diuretic

Bumetanide, sold under the brand name Bumex among others, is a medication used to treat swelling and high blood pressure. This includes swelling as a result of heart failure, liver failure, or kidney problems. It may work for swelling when other medications have not. For high blood pressure it is not a preferred treatment. It is taken by mouth, or by injection into a vein or muscle. Effects generally begin within an hour and last for about six hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amiloride</span> Medication

Amiloride, sold under the trade name Midamor among others, is a medication typically used with other medications to treat high blood pressure or swelling due to heart failure or cirrhosis of the liver. Amiloride is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic. Amiloride is often used together with another diuretic, such as a thiazide or loop diuretic. It is taken by mouth. Onset of action is about two hours and it lasts for about a day.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Losartan</span> Blood pressure medication

Losartan, sold under the brand name Cozaar among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is in the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) family of medication, and is considered protective of the kidneys. Besides hypertension, it is also used in diabetic kidney disease, heart failure, and left ventricular enlargement. It comes as a tablet that is taken by mouth. It may be used alone or in addition to other blood pressure medication. Up to six weeks may be required for the full effects to occur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enoxaparin sodium</span> Anticoagulant medication (blood thinner)

Enoxaparin sodium, sold under the brand name Lovenox among others, is an anticoagulant medication. It is used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) including during pregnancy and following certain types of surgery. It is also used in those with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and heart attacks. It is given by injection just under the skin or into a vein. It is also used during hemodialysis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydralazine</span> Anti-hypertension medication

Hydralazine, sold under the brand name Apresoline among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. This includes high blood pressure in pregnancy and very high blood pressure resulting in symptoms. It has been found to be particularly useful in heart failure, together with isosorbide dinitrate, for treatment of people of African descent. It is given by mouth or by injection into a vein. Effects usually begin around 15 minutes and last up to six hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Torasemide</span> Diuretic medication

Torasemide, also known as torsemide, is a diuretic medication used to treat fluid overload due to heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease. It is a less preferred treatment for high blood pressure. It is taken by mouth or by injection into a vein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calcium gluconate</span> Chemical compound

Calcium gluconate is the calcium salt of gluconic acid and is used as a mineral supplement and medication. As a medication it is used by injection into a vein to treat low blood calcium, high blood potassium, and magnesium toxicity. Supplementation is generally only required when there is not enough calcium in the diet. Supplementation may be done to treat or prevent osteoporosis or rickets. It can also be taken by mouth but is not recommended for injection into a muscle.

Prostaglandin E<sub>1</sub> Erectile dysfunction medication

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is a naturally occurring prostaglandin and is also used as a medication (alprostadil).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regular insulin</span> Short-acting insulin formulation

Regular insulin, also known as neutral insulin and soluble insulin, is a type of short-acting medical insulin. It is used to treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. It is also used along with glucose to treat high blood potassium levels. Typically it is given by injection under the skin, but may also be used by injection into a vein or muscle. Onset of effect is typically in 30 minutes and it typically lasts for 8 hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water for injection</span> Very clean, sterile water

Water for injection is water of extra high quality without significant contamination. A sterile version is used for making solutions that will be given by injection. Before such use other substances generally must be added to make the solution isotonic. Isotonic solutions containing water for injection can be given by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. A non-sterile version may be used in manufacturing with sterilization occurring later in the production process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sodium calcium edetate</span> Chemical compound

Sodium calcium edetate, also known as edetate calcium disodium among other names, is a medication primarily used to treat lead poisoning, including both short-term and long-term lead poisoning. Sodium calcium edetate came into medical use in the United States in 1953.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potassium permanganate (medical use)</span> Medication for some skin conditions

Potassium permanganate is used as a medication for a number of skin conditions. This includes fungal infections of the foot, impetigo, pemphigus, superficial wounds, dermatitis, and tropical ulcers. For tropical ulcers it is used together with procaine benzylpenicillin. It can be applied as a soaked dressing or a bath.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sodium thiosulfate (medical use)</span>

Sodium thiosulfate, also spelled sodium thiosulphate, is used as a medication to treat cyanide poisoning, pityriasis versicolor, and to decrease side effects from cisplatin. For cyanide poisoning, it is often used after the medication sodium nitrite and is typically only recommended for severe cases. It is either given by injection into a vein or applied to the skin.

Hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene, also known as co-triamterzide, is a fixed-dose combination medication of hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene. It is used to treat high blood pressure and edema (swelling). Specifically it is used in those who develop low blood potassium (hypokalemia) when on only hydrochlorothiazide. It is taken by mouth.

References

  1. ↑ "FDA-sourced list of all drugs with black box warnings (Use Download Full Results and View Query links.)". nctr-crs.fda.gov. FDA . Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 World Health Organization (2009). Stuart MC, Kouimtzi M, Hill SR (eds.). WHO Model Formulary 2008. World Health Organization. p. 491. hdl:10665/44053. ISBN   9789241547659.
  3. ↑ "Potassium chloride medical facts from Drugs.com". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 British national formulary : BNF 69 (69 ed.). British Medical Association. 2015. pp. 680, 684. ISBN   9780857111562.
  5. ↑ "Klor-Con M - FDA prescribing information, side effects and uses". Drugs.com. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  6. ↑ Velde P, Barré P (2009). "Man and Agriculture: Manipulating Soil – Plant Interactions". Soils, Plants and Clay Minerals: Mineral and Biologic Interactions. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 275. ISBN   9783642034992. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017.
  7. ↑ BNA's Patent, Trademark & Copyright Journal. Bureau of National Affairs, Incorporated. 1991. Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Potassium chloride, used since the 1950s for the treatment of potassium depletion in humans
  8. ↑ World Health Organization (2023). The selection and use of essential medicines 2023: web annex A: World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 23rd list (2023). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl: 10665/371090 . WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2023.02.
  9. ↑ "The Top 300 of 2022". ClinCalc. Archived from the original on 30 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  10. ↑ "Potassium Chloride Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2013 - 2022". ClinCalc. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  11. ↑ Hypokalemia in Emergency Medicine~treatment at eMedicine
  12. ↑ Zakiah K, Maulana MR, Widowati LR, Mutakin J (2021). "Applications of guano and K2CO3 on soil potential-P, potential-K on Andisols". IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 648: 012185. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/648/1/012185.
  13. ↑ Hyperkalemia in Emergency Medicine at eMedicine
  14. ↑ "Office of Dietary Supplements - Potassium". ods.od.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  15. ↑ He FJ, Markandu ND, Coltart R, Barron J, MacGregor GA (April 2005). "Effect of short-term supplementation of potassium chloride and potassium citrate on blood pressure in hypertensives". Hypertension. 45 (4): 571–574. doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.0000158264.36590.19 . PMID   15723964.
  16. ↑ Stubblefield PG, Carr-Ellis S, Borgatta L (July 2004). "Methods for induced abortion". Obstetrics and Gynecology. 104 (1): 174–185. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000130842.21897.53. PMID   15229018.
  17. ↑ "Types of Abortion Procedures". Archived from the original on 18 April 2009.. Americanpregnancy.org (20 September 2011). Retrieved on 16 February 2012.
  18. ↑ Boyes R (29 March 2008). "Death for hire – suicide machine lets you push final button". The Times. Archived from the original on 3 September 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  19. ↑ Sahimi M. "The Chain Murders: Killing Dissidents and Intellectuals, 1988-1998". pbs.org. FRONTLINE. Archived from the original on 11 December 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
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