Potassium Acetate
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Potassium Acetate
- Brand Names
- Potassium Acetate
- Dosage Form
- POWDER
- Product Type
- BULK INGREDIENT
Description
DESCRIPTION Potassium Acetate Injection, USP, 40 mEq (2 mEq/mL) is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, concentrated solution of potassium acetate in water for injection. The solution is administered after dilution by the intravenous route as an electrolyte replenisher. It must not be administered undiluted. Each 20 mL vial contains 3.93 g of potassium acetate which provides 40 mEq each of potassium (K + ) and acetate (CH 3 COO – ). It contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added buffer. May contain acetic acid for pH adjustment. pH 6.2 (5.5 to 8.0). The osmolar concentration is 4 mOsmol/mL (calc.). The solution is intended as an alternative to potassium chloride to provide potassium ion (K + ) for addition to large volume infusion fluids for intravenous use. Potassium acetate, USP is chemically designated CH 3 COOK, colorless crystals or white crystalline powder very soluble in water. The semi-rigid vial is fabricated from a specially formulated polyolefin. It is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene. The safety of the plastic has been confirmed by tests in animals according to USP biological standards for plastic containers. The container requires no vapor barrier to maintain the proper drug concentration.
What Is Potassium Acetate Used For?
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Potassium Acetate Injection, USP, 40 mEq is indicated as a source of potassium, for the addition to large volume intravenous fluids, to prevent or correct hypokalemia in patients with restricted or no oral intake. It is also useful as an additive for preparing specific intravenous fluid formulas when the needs of the patient cannot be met by standard electrolyte or nutrient solutions.
Dosage and Administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Potassium Acetate Injection, USP, 40 mEq is administered intravenously only after dilution in a larger volume of fluid . The dose and rate of administration are dependent upon the individual needs of the patient. ECG and serum potassium should be monitored as a guide to dosage. Using aseptic technique, all or part of the contents of one or more vials may be added to other intravenous fluids to provide any desired number of milliequivalents (mEq) of potassium (K + ) with an equal number of milliequivalents of acetate (CH 3 COO – ). Maximum infusion rate: The infusion rate should not exceed 1 mEq/kg/hr. Normal daily requirements: Newborn: 2–6 mEq/kg/24 hr. Children: 2–3 mEq/kg/24 hr. Adult: 40–80 mEq/24 hr. Intraosseous infusion can be an alternate route for drug administration when intravenous access is not readily available. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. (See PRECAUTIONS .)
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions involve the possibility of potassium intoxication. The signs and symptoms of potassium intoxication include paresthesias of the extremities, flaccid paralysis, listlessness, mental confusion, weakness and heaviness of the legs, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block, electrocardiographic abnormalities such as disappearance of P waves, spreading and slurring of the QRS complex with development of a biphasic curve and cardiac arrest. (See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS .)
Warnings and Precautions
WARNINGS Potassium Acetate Injection, USP, 40 mEq must be diluted before use. To avoid potassium intoxication, infuse potassium-containing solutions slowly. Potassium replacement therapy should be monitored whenever possible by continuous or serial electrocardiography (ECG). Serum potassium levels are not necessarily dependable indicators of tissue potassium levels. Solutions which contain potassium ions should be used with great care, if at all, in patients with hyperkalemia, severe renal failure and in conditions in which potassium retention is present. In patients with diminished renal function, administration of solutions containing potassium ions may result in potassium retention. Solutions containing acetate ions should be used with great care in patients with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis. Acetate should be administered with great care in those conditions in which there is an increased level or an impaired utilization of this ion, such as severe hepatic insufficiency. WARNING: This product contains aluminum that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. Premature neonates are particularly at risk because their kidneys are immature, and they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which contain aluminum. Research indicates that patients with impaired kidney function, including premature neonates, who receive parenteral levels of aluminum at greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day accumulate aluminum at levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Potassium administration is contraindicated in patients with severe renal insufficiency or adrenal insufficiency and in diseases where high potassium levels may be encountered.
Overdosage
OVERDOSAGE In the event of overdosage, discontinue infusion containing potassium acetate immediately and institute corrective therapy as indicated to reduce elevated serum potassium levels and restore acid-base balance if necessary. (See WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS , and ADVERSE REACTIONS .)
How Supplied
HOW SUPPLIED Potassium Acetate Injection, USP is supplied as follows: Unit of Sale Concentration Each NDC 0409-8183-25 40 mEq/20 mL NDC 0409-8183-15 Tray of 25 (2 mEq/mL) Single-Dose Fliptop Vial Each container is partially filled to provide air space for complete vacuum withdrawal of the contents into the intravenous container. Store at 20 to 25ºC (68 to 77ºF). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA Novaplus is a registered trademark of Vizient, Inc. LAB-0902-4.0 Revised: 11/2020 Logo
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.