Kaliumchlorid Braun (Potassium Chloride)

Kaliumchlorid Braun is an electrolyte replenisher used in conditions where potassium loss is clinically significant.

• Hypokalemia: restores serum potassium to normal range, alleviating muscle weakness and cardiac symptoms.
• Potassium depletion: replenishes extracellular potassium stores after gastrointestinal loss or diuretic therapy.
• Risk of cardiac arrhythmia due to low potassium: reduces the likelihood of arrhythmic events by normalising membrane potentials.

• Potassium chloride dissociates after intravenous infusion, delivering potassium ions directly into the extracellular fluid. The increased extracellular potassium concentration restores the normal intracellular‑extracellular gradient, stabilises cell membrane resting potential, and supports proper function of nerves, muscles and cardiac tissue.

Adverse reactions may occur with intravenous potassium chloride administration.

Common Side Effects

• Injection site pain or irritation
• Hyperkalemia (mild to moderate elevation of serum potassium)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Burning sensation during infusion
• Local phlebitis

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe hyperkalemia leading to cardiac arrest
• Anaphylactic or severe allergic reaction
• Life‑threatening arrhythmias
• Cardiac arrest
• Thrombophlebitis with embolic complications
• Death

Use Kaliumchlorid Braun with careful clinical monitoring to minimise risks.

• Serum potassium monitoring: check levels before, during, and after infusion.
• Renal impairment: adjust infusion rate and total dose.
• Rapid infusion avoidance: do not exceed recommended infusion speed (typically ≤10 mEq/hr).
• ECG monitoring: advisable for patients with cardiac disease or high baseline potassium.
• Contraindication: do not use in patients with documented hyperkalemia.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Potassium chloride can interact with several medications that affect potassium balance.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may cause additive hyperkalemia.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): increase risk of severe hyperkalemia.
• NSAIDs: can reduce renal potassium excretion.
• Trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole: may raise serum potassium.
• Cyclosporine: potentiates hyperkalemia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Digoxin: elevated potassium can alter digoxin toxicity.
• Beta‑blockers: may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms in hyperkalemic states.
• Lithium: potassium shifts can affect lithium levels.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides): monitor renal function.
• Insulin: rapid potassium shifts when combined with insulin therapy.