Potassium Acetate

Name: Potassium Acetate

Clinical pharmacology

As the principal cation of the intracellular fluid,potas-sium plays an important role in fluid and electrolyte balance.The normal potassium concentration in the intracellular fluid compartment is about 160 mEq/L. The normal serum potassium range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. The kidney normally regulates potassium balance but does not conserve potassium as well or as promptly as it conserves sodium.The daily turnover of potassium in the normal adult averages 50 to 150 mEq (milliequiva-lents) and represents 1.5 to 5% of the total potassium content of the body.

Acetate (CH3COO–),a source of hydrogen ion acceptors, is an alternate source of bicarbonate (HCO3–) by meta- bolic conversion in the liver. This has been shown to proceed readily, even in the presence of severe liver disease.

Patient information

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
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  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take potassium acetate or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to potassium acetate. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Potassium Acetate Description

Potassium Acetate Injection, USP, 2 mEq/mL, is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of Potassium Acetate (C2H3KO2) in Water for Injection. It must be diluted prior to administration.

Each mL contains Potassium Acetate (Anhydrous) 196 mg (equivalent to 2 mEq/mL), Water for Injection q.s. pH may be adjusted with Acetic Acid. Contains no bacteriostatic agent or other preservatives.

Precautions

Potassium replacement therapy should be guided primarily by serial electrocardiograms. Plasma potassium levels are not necessarily indicative of tissue potassium levels.

High plasma concentrations of potassium may cause death through cardiac depression, arrhythmias or arrest. Potassium Acetate Injection, USP, should be used with caution in the presence of cardiac disease, particularly in digitalized patients or in the presence of renal disease, metabolic acidosis, Addison’s disease, acute dehydration, prolonged or severe diarrhea, familial periodic paralysis, hypoadrenalism, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia and myotonia congenita.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C: Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. Use of Potassium Acetate in women of childbearing potential requires that anticipated benefits be weighed against possible hazards.

Potassium Acetate Dosage and Administration

Potassium Acetate Injection, USP (2 mEq/mL) must be diluted before administration.

The dose and rate of administration are dependent upon the individual condition of each patient. ECG and serum potassium should be monitored as a guide to dosage. Withdraw the calculated volume aseptically and transfer to appropriate intravenous fluids to provide the desired number of milliequivalents of potassium (K+) with an equal number of milliequivalents of acetate (CH3COO−).

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration, whenever solution and container permit. Discard vial within 4 hours of initial entry.

DIRECTIONS FOR DISPENSING FROM 100 mL PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE - NOT FOR DIRECT INFUSION

The 100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package is for use in a Pharmacy Admixture Service only. The 100 mL Pharmacy Bulk Package should be suspended (inverted) by its IV hang label in a laminar flow hood or biological safety cabinet. Prior to entering a Pharmacy Bulk Package remove the flip-off seal and cleanse the rubber closure with a suitable antiseptic agent. Entry into the Pharmacy Bulk Package must be made with a sterile transfer set or other sterile dispensing device and the contents dispensed in aliquots using aseptic technique. Use of a syringe needle is not recommended as it may cause leakage. ANY UNUSED PORTION MUST BE DISCARDED WITHIN 4 HOURS AFTER INITIAL ENTRY. The date and the time the Pharmacy Bulk Package was initially opened should be recorded in the space provided on the Pharmacy Bulk Package label.

Pronunciation

(poe TASS ee um AS e tate)

Contraindications

Severe renal impairment or adrenal insufficiency; hyperkalemia

Reconstitution

Parenteral: Potassium must be diluted prior to parenteral administration. The concentration of infusion may be dependent on patient condition and specific institution policy. Some clinicians recommend that the maximum concentration for peripheral infusion is 10 mEq/100 mL and 20-40 mEq/100 mL for central infusions.

Monitoring Parameters

Serum potassium, magnesium (to facilitate potassium repletion), and bicarbonate; cardiac monitor (if intermittent infusion or potassium infusion rates 0.5 mEq/kg/hour in children or >10 mEq/hour in adults); to assess adequate replacement, repeat serum potassium level 2-4 hours after dose

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