Potassium Chloride (Potassium Chloride)
Also sold as: K-Dur, Slow-K, KCl oral
Pregnancy
Cat C
Lactation
Safe
Schedule
OTC
Forms
Tablet/Capsule 300mg, 600mg (equiv. 4-8 mEq K+) +3
Indications
- Hypokalemia correction / supplementation
- Diuretic-induced hypokalemia
- Digitalis toxicity (with magnesium)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (after insulin)
- Post-operative potassium loss
Adult Dosing
Mild hypokalemia (K+ 2.5-3.5 mEq/L)
20-40 mEq daily divided BID-TDS
Until K+ normalized
Moderate hypokalemia (K+ <2.5 mEq/L)
40-100 mEq daily divided doses
Until K+ normalized
Severe hypokalemia / IV emergency
10-20 mEq in 100-200 mL fluid IV (max 20 mEq/hour centrally)
ICU setting
Pediatric Dosing
Liquid preferred for young children; monitor serum K+ closely
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| CrCl > 30 mL/min | No adjustment; monitor K+ closely |
| CrCl < 30 mL/min | Careful dosing; risk of hyperkalemia; may not need supplementation |
Hepatic Adjustment
No adjustment; monitor K+.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category C
Generally safe if needed for hypokalemia; monitor closely.
Lactation: Safe
Safe; K+ excreted in breast milk.
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| ACE inhibitors / ARBs | Increased hyperkalemia risk | Major |
| NSAIDs | Reduced K+ excretion; hyperkalemia risk | Major |
| Spironolactone / other K+-sparing diuretics | Increased hyperkalemia risk | Major |
| Digoxin | Hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity risk | Major |
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Side Effects
Common
- Nausea / vomiting
- GI upset / cramping
- Diarrhea
- Hyperkalemia (excessive dosing)
- Mouth irritation (if chewed)
Serious / Discontinue If
- Hyperkalemia (K+ >5.5 mEq/L)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (both hypo- and hyperkalemia)
- GI ulceration (with wax-matrix tablets)
- Muscle weakness (severe hypokalemia)
Contraindications
- Hyperkalemia (K+ >5.5 mEq/L)
- Acute dehydration
- Crush injuries with rhabdomyolysis
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl <10 mL/min)
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| K-Dur 300 mg (4.7 mEq) | Abbott | 10 tab ₹60 |
| Slow-K 600 mg (8 mEq) | Sandoz | 10 tab ₹70 |
| KCl liquid 10% | Various | 200 mL bottle ₹45 |
Monitoring Required
- Serum K+ at baseline and 3-5 days after initiation/dose change
- EKG if K+ <2.5 or >6 mEq/L (peaked T-waves, prolonged QRS)
- Renal function (baseline and periodic)
- Ongoing: K+ Q1-2 weeks during supplementation
Patient Counseling Points
- Take with food and full glass of water to reduce GI upset
- Do NOT crush or chew tablets (risk of ulceration); swallow whole
- Report palpitations, weakness, or nausea immediately
- Regular blood tests essential to monitor K+ level
- Avoid potassium-rich diet if also taking ACE inhibitors / ARBs
- Do not take if on spironolactone without doctor approval
Stop Googling drug references mid-consultation
EasyClinic auto-flags Potassium Chloride interactions, renal cutoffs, and pregnancy warnings the moment you write the prescription. Built-in safety net for every Indian doctor.
Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Ramakrishnan Pillai, MD (Clinical Pharmacology), Nephrology Fellow
Last reviewed: 2026-04-13
References
- BNF — Potassium Chloride
- KDIGO Electrolyte Guidelines
- ACC Cardiac Arrhythmias