Potassium Chloride
Potassium Chloride is an essential electrolyte supplement used to treat or prevent low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). It works by replenishing potassium in the body, which is critical for maintaining cellular function, nerve transmission, and proper muscle contraction, especially in the heart. This medication is prescribed when potassium levels are depleted due to certain medications, medical conditions, or inadequate dietary intake.
Potassium Chloride supplements replace essential potassium to treat or prevent dangerously low blood potassium levels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A12BA01
- RxNorm
- 8591
- Generic
- Potassium Chloride
- Class
- atc-a12
- Brands
- Medi-Lyte, Aminosyn II 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Aminosyn 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Isolyte S in 5 % Dextrose, Normosol-R in 5 % Dextrose, Nutrilyte, Gavilyte-H, Isolyte S, Klor-Con, Physiolyte, Physiosol, Thermotabs, Tis-U-Sol, Sutab, Golytely
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, ophthalmic
- Forms
- injection, solution, tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if potassium supplementation is clearly needed
monitor maternal and fetal potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if potassium supplementation is clearly needed
close monitoring of maternal and fetal potassium
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
generally considered compatible with breastfeeding
monitor infant for any adverse effects
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose and monitor closely
use with caution in elderly patients due to increased sensitivity
frequent monitoring of renal function and potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing required
use with caution in children; dose must be individualized
close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
renal failureavoid completely
contraindicated in patients with renal impairment or failure
monitor renal function and potassium levels frequently if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild moderateuse with extreme caution and reduced dose
use only when absolutely necessary with close monitoring
frequent serum potassium monitoring required
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic failureuse with caution
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment
monitor potassium levels and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
chronic alcoholmonitor and adjust as needed
use with caution in chronic alcohol users
frequent electrolyte monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
How the drug works
Routes of administration
How the drug is administered
Treatment and prevention of hypokalemia (low blood potassium), commonly caused by certain diuretics, kidney disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate dietary potassium intake.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation essential for maintaining cellular tonicity, nerve impulse transmission, and contraction of cardiac and skeletal muscles. Potassium Chloride supplements restore normal potassium levels in the body.
Take with food and plenty of water to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Regular blood monitoring of potassium levels is required. Contraindicated in hyperkalemia, severe renal impairment, and Addison's disease. Dangerous interactions can occur with ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, and NSAIDs.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy