Pricing
Prices are indicative MRP and may vary by pharmacy. Trend compares against the last recorded price.
All price changes →More from KCL
Other strengths and forms by Opsonin Pharma Limited
Indications & Uses
KCL (potassium chloride) is indicated for replacement of potassium deficit. It is also used for hypokalaemia caused by diuretics that make the body lose potassium, hypokalaemia from renal potassium wasting, and hypokalaemia from gastrointestinal losses. Another indication is hypochloraemic alkalosis associated with hypokalaemia.
Pharmacology
Potassium Chloride is used to treat hypokalaemia and other states of potassium deficiency. Potassium is the main cation found inside the cells of most body tissues, and it plays a part in several essential physiological processes. These include maintaining the tonicity of cells, transmitting nerve impulses, enabling contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle, and supporting normal kidney function.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid taking any medicines during the first three months of pregnancy, and the potential benefits versus risks should be weighed carefully at every stage of pregnancy thereafter. Breastfeeding mothers can take potassium salts without restriction.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Keep Potassium Chloride below 25°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about KCL 500 mg/5 ml
What is KCL 500 mg/5 ml Syrup?
KCL 500 mg/5 ml Syrup is a medicine that contains Potassium Chloride. It is made by Opsonin Pharma Limited. It belongs to the Electrolytes preparations group of medicines.
What is KCL used for?
KCL (potassium chloride) is indicated for replacement of potassium deficit. It is also used for hypokalaemia caused by diuretics that make the body lose potassium, hypokalaemia from renal potassium wasting, and hypokalaemia from gastrointestinal losses.
What are the side effects of KCL?
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.
Can I take KCL during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid taking any medicines during the first three months of pregnancy, and the potential benefits versus risks should be weighed carefully at every stage of pregnancy thereafter. Breastfeeding mothers can take potassium salts without restriction. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store KCL?
Keep Potassium Chloride below 25°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with KCL?
Some medicines can interact with Potassium Chloride, for example: Dobutamine Hydrochloride, Digoxin, Cyclosporine, Heparin Sodium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for KCL?
KCL is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.