Potassium Chloride

• Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection is only for intravenous infusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• For patients receiving Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection at greater than maintenance rates, frequent monitoring of serum potassium concentrations and serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) are recommended.
• The osmolarity of 10 mEq Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection is 272 mOsmol/L (calc). The osmolarity of 20 mEq Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose is 293 mOsmol/L (calc). Peripheral administration is generally acceptable; however; consider central vein administration if there is peripheral vein irritation, phlebitis, and/or associated pain.
• Do not administer Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection simultaneously with blood products through the same administration set because of the possibility of pseudo agglutination or hemolysis.
• To prevent air embolism, use a non-vented infusion set or close the vent on a vented set, avoid multiple connections, do not connect flexible containers in series, fully evacuate residual gas in the container prior to administration, do not pressurize the flexible container to increase flow rates, and if administration is controlled by a pumping device, turn off pump before the container runs dry.
• Prior to infusion, visually inspect the solution for particulate matter. The solution should be clear and there should be no precipitates. Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged.
• Use of a final filter is recommended during administration of parenteral solutions, where possible.

The infusion rate and volume depends on the age, weight, clinical and metabolic conditions of the patient and concomitant therapy. Electrolyte supplementation may be indicated according to the clinical needs of the patient. The administration rate should be governed, especially for premature infants with low birth weight, during the first few days of therapy, by the patient's tolerance to dextrose. Increase the infusion rate gradually as indicated by frequent monitoring of blood glucose concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

• Check flexible container solution composition, lot number, and expiry date.
• Do not remove solution container from its overwrap until immediately before use.
• Use sterile equipment and aseptic technique.

Flexible Plastic Container (free flex ^® bag)

To Open

1. Turn solution container over so that the text is face down. Using the pre-cut corner tabs, peel open the overwrap and remove solution container.
2. Check the solution container for leaks by squeezing firmly. If leaks are found, or if the seal is not intact, discard the solution.
3. Check to ensure the solution is clear and there are no precipitates. Discard if there is a color change and/or the appearance of precipitates.

Preparation for Administration

1. Immediately before inserting the infusion set, break off BLUE Infusion Port Cap with the arrow pointing away from container.
2. Use a non-vented infusion set or close the air-inlet on a vented set.
3. Close the roller clamp of the infusion set.
4. Hold the base of BLUE Infusion Port.
5. Insert spike through BLUE Infusion Port by rotating wrist slightly until the spike is inserted. NOTE: See full directions accompanying administration set.
6. Suspend solution container from hanger hole.

To Add Medication

• Additives may be incompatible. Complete information is not available. Do not use additives known or determined to be incompatible.
• Before adding a substance or medication, verify that it is soluble and/or stable in this drug product and that the pH range of this drug product is appropriate.
• Consult with pharmacist, if available. If, in the informed judgment of the healthcare provider, it is deemed advisable to introduce additives, use aseptic technique.
• When introducing additives, consult the instructions for use of the medication to be added and other relevant literature.

To Add Medication Prior to Solution Administration

1. Identify WHITE Additive Port with arrow pointing toward container.
2. Immediately before injecting additives, break off WHITE Additive Port Cap with the arrow pointing toward container.
3. Hold base of WHITE Additive Port horizontally.
4. Prepare medication site
5. Insert an 18 to 23 gauge needle horizontally through the center of WHITE Additive Port's septum and inject additives.
6. Mix container contents thoroughly.
   For high density medication such as potassium chloride, squeeze ports while ports are upright and mix thoroughly.
7. After addition, check to ensure the solution is clear and there are no precipitates. Discard if there is a color change and/or the appearance of precipitates.

To Add Medication During Solution Administration

1. Close the clamp on the set
2. Identify WHITE Additive Port with arrow pointing toward container
3. Immediately before injecting additives, if the Cap has not been broken off, break off WHITE Additive Port cap with the arrow pointing toward container.
4. Hold base of WHITE Additive Port horizontally.
5. Prepare medication site.
6. Using a syringe with an 18 to 23 gauge needle, horizontally insert through the center of WHITE Additive Port's septum and inject additives.
7. Remove container from IV pole and/or turn to an upright position.
8. Mix container contents thoroughly.
9. After addition, check to ensure the solution is clear and there are no precipitates. Discard if there is a color change and/or the appearance of precipitates.
10. Using aseptic technique, repeat steps 4-7 as necessary.
11. Return container to in use position and continue administration.

Storage

• Use promptly; do not store solutions containing additives.
• Single-dose container.
• Discard any unused portion.

Hypersensitivity and infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. Stop the infusion immediately if signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity or infusion reaction develops [see Contraindications (4)]. Appropriate therapeutic countermeasures must be instituted as clinically indicated.

Potassium-containing solutions, including Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can be asymptomatic and manifest only by increased serum potassium concentrations and/or characteristic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. Cardiac arrhythmias, some fatal, can develop at any time during hyperkalemia.

To avoid life threatening hyperkalemia, do not administer Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection as an intravenous push (i.e., intravenous injection manually with a syringe connected to the intravenous access, without quantitative infusion device [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Patients at increased risk of developing hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias include those:

• with severe renal impairment, acute dehydration, extensive tissue injury or burns, and certain cardiac disorders such as congestive heart failure or AV block (especially if they receive digoxin).
• with hyperosmolality, acidosis, or undergoing correction of alkalosis (conditions associated with a shift of potassium from intracellular to extracellular space).
• treated concurrently or recently with agents or products that can cause or increase the risk of hyperkalemia [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Avoid use of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients with, or at risk for, hyperkalemia. If use cannot be avoided, use a product with a low amount of potassium chloride, infuse slowly and monitor serum potassium concentrations and ECGs.

The use of dextrose infusions in patients with impaired glucose tolerance may worsen hyperglycemia. Administration of dextrose at a rate exceeding the patient's utilization rate may lead to hyperglycemia, coma, and death.

Hyperglycemia is associated with an increase in serum osmolality, resulting in osmotic diuresis, dehydration and electrolyte losses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Patients with underlying central nervous system disease and renal impairment who receive dextrose infusions, may be at greater risk of developing hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

Monitor blood glucose concentrations and treat hyperglycemia to maintain concentrations within normal limits while administering Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection.

Insulin may be administered or adjusted to maintain optimal blood glucose concentrations.

Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection is an isotonic solution [see Description, Table 1 (11)]. In the body, however, glucose containing fluids can become extremely physiologically hypotonic due to rapid glucose metabolization. Monitoring of serum sodium is particularly important for hypotonic fluids.

Depending on the tonicity of the solution, the volume and rate of infusion, and depending on a patient's underlying clinical condition and capability to metabolize glucose, intravenous administration of glucose can cause electrolyte disturbances, most importantly hypo- or hyperosmotic hyponatremia.

The risk for hyponatremia is increased, in pediatric patients, elderly patients, postoperative patients, those with psychogenic polydipsia and in patients treated with medications that increase the risk of hyponatremia (such as certain diuretic, antiepileptic and psychotropic medications). Close clinical monitoring may be warranted.

Acute hyponatremia can lead to acute hyponatremic encephalopathy characterized by headache, nausea, seizures, lethargy and vomiting. Patients with brain edema are at particular risk of severe, irreversible and life-threatening brain injury. Patients at increased risk for developing complications of hyponatremia, such as hyponatremic encephalopathy include pediatric patients; women, in particular, premenopausal women; patients with hypoxemia; and in patients with underlying central nervous system disease [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4, 8.5)].

Rapid correction of hyponatremia is potentially dangerous with risk of serious neurologic complications such as osmotic demyelination syndrome with risk of seizures and cerebral edema. To avoid complications, monitor serum sodium and chloride concentrations, fluid status, acid-base balance, and signs of neurologic complications.

High volume infusion must be used with close monitoring in patients with cardiac or pulmonary failure, and in patients with non-osmotic vasopressin release (including SIADH), due to the risk of hospital-acquired hyponatremia.

Infusion of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection may result in hypokalemia, leading to arrhythmias, muscle weakness, paralysis, heart block, and rhabdomyolysis.

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, metabolic alkalosis, increased gastrointestinal losses (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting), prolonged low potassium diet or primary hyperaldosteronism may increase the risk of hypokalemia. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium levels.

Depending on the volume and rate of infusion, the patient's underlying clinical condition and capability to metabolize dextrose, intravenous administration of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose and Sodium Chloride Injection can cause fluid and/or solute overloading resulting in dilution of serum electrolyte concentrations, overhydration, congested states or pulmonary edema.

Avoid Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients with or at risk for fluid and/or solute overloading. If use cannot be avoided, monitor fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance as needed and especially during prolonged use.

Refeeding severely undernourished patients may result in the refeeding syndrome that is characterized by the shift of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium intracellularly as the patient becomes anabolic. Thiamine deficiency and fluid retention may also develop. To prevent these complications, monitor severely undernourished patients and slowly increasing nutrient intake.

Administration of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients treated concurrently or recently with other products that can cause hyperkalemia or increase the risk of hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) increases the risk of severe and potentially fatal hyperkalemia, in particular in the presence of other risk factors for hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Avoid use of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients receiving such products. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium concentrations.

Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection can affect glycemic control, vasopressin and fluid and/or electrolyte balance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6)].

Monitor blood glucose concentrations, fluid balance, serum electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance when using Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients treated with other substances that affect glycemic control, vasopressin or fluid and/or electrolyte balance.

The safety profile of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in pediatric patients is similar to adults.

Neonates, especially premature infants with low birth weight, are at increased risk of developing hypo- or hyperglycemia and therefore need close monitoring during treatment with intravenous glucose solutions to ensure adequate glycemic control in order to avoid potential long term adverse effects.

Closely monitor plasma electrolyte concentrations in pediatric patients who may have impaired ability to regulate fluids and electrolytes. In very low birth weight infants, excessive or rapid administration of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection may result in increased serum osmolality and risk of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Children (including neonates and older children) are at increased risk of developing hyponatremia as well as for developing hyponatremic encephalopathy.

Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this product may be greater in patients with impaired renal function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)].

Elderly patients are at increased risk of developing hyponatremia as well as for developing hyponatremic encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Administration of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients with renal impairment may result in hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and/or fluid overload. Monitor patients with renal impairment for development of these adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.4, 5.6)].

Hyperkalemia

• Manifestations of hyperkalemia may include:
  • disturbances in cardiac conduction and arrhythmias, including bradycardia, heart block, asystole, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ECG changes (peaking of T waves, loss of P waves, and QRS widening)
  • hypotension,
  • muscle weakness up to and including muscular and respiratory paralysis, paresthesia of extremities,
  • gastrointestinal symptoms (ileus, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)

The presence of any ECG findings that are suspected to be caused by hyperkalemia should be considered a medical emergency.

If hyperkalemia is present or suspected, discontinue the infusion immediately and institute close ECG, laboratory and other monitoring and, as necessary, corrective therapy to reduce serum potassium concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Other Electrolyte and Fluid Disorders

• Hyperglycemia, hyperosmolality, and adverse effects on water and electrolyte balance, and corresponding complications, which can be fatal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.6)].
• Hyponatremia, manifestations may include seizures, coma, cerebral edema and death) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
• Fluid overload (which can lead to central and/or peripheral edema) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
• Hypernatremia, especially in patients with severe renal impairment.

Interventions include discontinuation of the infusion, dose reduction, monitoring of fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance and institution of appropriate corrective measures such as administration of exogenous insulin.

Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection is a source of water, electrolytes and calories. It is capable of inducing diuresis depending on the clinical condition of the patient.