Potassium Chloride Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 5, 2024.
For healthcare professionals
Applies to potassium chloride: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral granule extended release, oral liquid, oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.
Metabolic adverse events
- Frequency not reported: Hyperkalemia (including cardiac arrest as a manifestation), hypervolemia, hyponatremia and hyponatremic encephalopathy, hypokalemia[Ref]
Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, paresthesia of the extremities, listlessness, mental confusion, flaccid paralysis, cold skin, grey pallor, peripheral vascular collapse, fall in blood pressure, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart block. Electrocardiogram abnormalities include disappearance of the P-wave, widening and slurring of QRS complex, changes of the S-T segment, tall peaked T-waves. At extremely high concentrations (8 to 11 mmol/L) may cause death from cardiac depression, arrhythmias, or arrest.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, diarrhea, obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, perforation, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, local irritation of the mucosa
- Postmarketing reports: Delayed intestinal transit[Ref]
Local
- Frequency not reported: Injection site pain, injection site phlebitis, infection at injection site, venous thrombosis extending from site of injection, extravasation[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Frequency not reported: Cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest[Ref]
Dermatologic
Other
- Frequency not reported: Febrile response[Ref]
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
3. (2016) "Product Information. Klor-Con M10 (potassium chloride)." Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc
4. (2016) "Product Information. Potassium Chloride (potassium chloride)." Pharmaceutical Assoc Inc Div Beach Products
5. "Product Information. Potassium Chloride In Dextrose and S (LVP solution with potassium)." B Braun Medical Inc, Irvine, CA.
Frequently asked questions
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Patient resources
- Potassium Chloride drug information
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Other brands
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Professional resources
- Potassium Chloride prescribing information
- Potassium Chloride Capsules (FDA)
- Potassium Chloride Injection (FDA)
- Potassium Chloride Injection Concentrate (FDA)
- Potassium Chloride Oral Solution (FDA)
- Potassium Chloride Powder for Oral Solution (FDA)
Other brands
Klor-Con, K-Dur, K-Tab, Micro-K, ... +4 more
Related treatment guides
Further information
Potassium chloride side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
