Potassium Chloride

Who is it for?
Potassium chloride is used in many animal species.

What are the benefits?

How does potassium chloride work?
Potassium is a mineral that is found in many foods and is needed for many functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart. Potassium chloride is used to prevent or to treat low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia). Potassium levels can be low as a result of a disease, from taking certain medicines, or after a prolonged illness with diarrhea or vomiting.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Generic products are available.

How is it given?
Potassium injectable solutions must be diluted before they are given to an animal. Add the proper amount of the potassium solution to the other fluid according to your veterinarian's directions. Always use a new sterile syringe and needle when removing the potassium from the vial and adding it to the fluids. Do not touch the needle with your hands. When finished, place the needle and syringe in a puncture-resistant container. Follow your local regulations regarding disposal.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.

This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
The potassium in the fluid will be absorbed by the body and move into the cells, where is helps to regulate the functions of the cell. If the low potassium level is chronic (long-lasting), potassium supplementation will need to be given on a regular basis. The level of potassium in the blood will also need to be checked regularly.

What form(s) does it come in?
Injectable solution

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Potassiject

Common Drug Name
Potassium chloride injectable solution

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering potassium chloride?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected and what testing will be necessary during treatment with potassium chloride. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be available to treat your pet's condition.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. Also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
If too much potassium is given, a condition called hyperkalemia can result. Watch for muscle weakness, vomiting or diarrhea, generalized weakness, or changes in the heart rate.

Who should not take it?
Do not use in animals with hyperkalemia (high potassium blood levels), severe kidney disease, acute dehydration, untreated Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), or hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells).

Use with caution in animals with heart disease, particularly those taking the medication digoxin.

Do not use in animals with severe or complete heart block who are taking digoxin.

Consult with your veterinarian regarding physical examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with potassium injectable solutions.

What side effects may be seen when taking potassium chloride?
When given intravenously, potassium can be irritating to the veins.

How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
An overdose may result in vomiting, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, slow heart rate and a weak pulse.

If you know or suspect you pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet potassium chloride?
Consult your veterinarian before using potassium injectable solution with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, since interactions may occur.

High potassium levels may result if used with angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., enalapril or Enacard) or with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone). Drug interactions can also occur with animals also receiving digoxin or NSAIDS (e.g., Rimadyl, Deramaxx, etc.).

Potassium injectable solutions are not compatible with injectable amphotericin B, diazepam (Valium), and phenytoin.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.