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Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Potassium Chloride). Strength and form may differ — confirm substitution with your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Indications & Uses
KCL is indicated in- Replacement of potassium deficit Diuretic (KCL losing)-induced hypokalaemia Hypokalaemia from renal potassium wasting Hypokalaemia from gastrointestinal losses Hypochloraemic alkalosis associated with hypokalaemia
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Oral dose: Take with or after meals, along with plenty of fluid such as water or fruit juice. For preventing low potassium levels, the typical dose is up to 50 mmol (about 37.5 mL) daily by mouth. Oral treatment may also be suitable for some cases of low potassium; similar doses to those used for prevention are often adequate for mild deficiency, though higher doses may be needed for more severe deficiency. Parenteral dose: Intravenous administration may be needed for acute low potassium levels. One ampoule (10 mL), equal to 1.5 gm (20 mmol K+), may be added to 500 mL of sodium chloride or glucose intravenous infusion and given slowly over 2 to 3 hours, with specialist advice and ECG monitoring in difficult cases. Potassium levels should be measured repeatedly to determine whether further infusions are needed and to avoid the development of high potassium levels, which is especially likely to occur in people with impaired kidney function. Use in children: No special precautions are required.
Side Effects
Excessive potassium intake can lead to hyperkalaemia, marked by tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, paralysis, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart block and cardiac arrest. When given intravenously in solutions containing about 30 mmol or more of potassium per litre, it may cause pain or inflammation of the vein (phlebitis) at the injection site. Taken by mouth, it may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Potassium chloride should be used cautiously in patients with kidney or adrenal cortex insufficiency, heart disease, acute dehydration, heat cramps, or extensive tissue damage such as severe burns, as well as in those taking potassium-sparing diuretics. Overuse of potassium-based salt substitutes or taking potassium supplements alongside it can cause potassium to build up in the body, particularly in people with impaired kidney function. Care should also be taken when other medicines that contain potassium or that carry a risk of raising blood potassium levels are being used at the same time. Treatment should be stopped if severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort occurs.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to potassium supplementation, including conditions such as hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis, congenital paramyotonia, significant renal impairment (even before hyperkalaemia becomes apparent), untreated Addison's disease, and hyporeninaemic hypoaldosteronism. It should also be avoided in acute dehydration, existing hyperkalaemia, and situations involving widespread cell breakdown (such as severe burns). When hypokalaemia occurs alongside metabolic acidosis, it should be corrected with an agent other than potassium chloride.