Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a role in the transmission of nerve signals, muscle contractions, fluid balance, and various chemical reactions. Potassium can be administered intravenously, and there are different types of potassium-containing solutions available. Here are some of the side effects, precautions, and interactions associated with these solutions:
Potassium Phosphate (Intravenous Route)
- Blood in the urine
- Blurred vision
- Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles," or tingling feelings
- Other side effects not listed may also occur
Potassium Chloride Injection Concentrate
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
- Paresthesias of the extremities, areflexia, muscular or respiratory paralysis, mental confusion, weakness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and cardiac arrest
- Stomach bloating, severe vomiting, severe stomach pain
- High potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement
- Signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Other side effects not listed may also occur
Potassium Chloride in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
- Paresthesias of the extremities, areflexia, muscular or respiratory paralysis, mental confusion, weakness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and cardiac arrest
- Other side effects not listed may also occur
Potassium Chloride (Kato)
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Gas, stomach pain
- Appearance of a potassium chloride tablet in your stool
- Other side effects not listed may also occur
KCL in D5W (Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection)
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
- Paresthesias of the extremities, areflexia, muscular or respiratory paralysis, mental confusion, weakness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and cardiac arrest
- Other side effects not listed may also occur
It is important to tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any of these medicines or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
