CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have benefits and risks. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you being given Potassium Chloride Concentrate against the benefits they expect it to have for you.
This medicine is likely to be used while you are at the clinic or in hospital. If possible, please read this leaflet carefully before this medicine is given to you. In some cases this leaflet may be given to you after the medicine has been used.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet.
You may need to read it again.
What STERILE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CONCENTRATE is used for
Potassium chloride increases the potassium levels that are in the blood. Potassium is naturally present in body fluids and is needed for normal body function. Potassium chloride is given to patients who have very low levels of potassium or who are unable to take tablets. It may also be used for the treatment of poisoning by digitalis.
Potassium Chloride Concentrate may be used for the treatment of other conditions that are not mentioned above. Your doctor will be able to tell you about the specific condition for which you have been prescribed potassium chloride.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been prescribed for you.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you are treated with STERILE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CONCENTRATE
When Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate must not be given
You should not be given this medicine if the packaging is torn or show signs of tampering or if the expiry date on the pack has passed.
You will not be given Potassium Chloride if:
an allergy to potassium chloride
high potassium levels in your blood
It may not be safe for you to be given potassium chloride, if you are not sure whether any of these apply to you, check with your doctor.
Before treatment with Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate
You must tell your doctor if:
1. you have any allergies to:
any other medicine
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
abnormal heart beat
heart disease
adrenal gland problems (e.g. Addison's disease)
severe burns
kidney problems
dehydration
sickle cell anaemia
heat cramps
3. you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefit of being given potassium chloride during pregnancy.
4. you are breast-feeding or plan to breast feed
Potassium chloride passes into breast milk, however there have been no problems reported in breast fed infants.
5. Tell your doctor if you are on a low salt diet.
You may require chloride as well as potassium.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may affect the way potassium chloride works. These include:
fluid tablets such as triamterene and thiazine
heart drugs such as enalapril, captopril and digitalis
medicines to relieve inflammation
medicines to treat thrombosis such as heparin
products containing salt substitutes
other medicines that contain potassium
insulin
antacids like sodium bicarbonate
If you are unsure whether you are taking one of the above drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist. These medicines may be affected by potassium chloride or may affect how well it works. You may need to take different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines.
Your doctor and pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be careful with while being given Potassium Chloride and will advise you about continuing to take other medicines
Your doctor will advise you about continuing to take other medicines.
How STERILE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE CONCENTRATE is given
Potassium Chloride Concentrate treatment usually occurs in a hospital. It will be diluted and given to you as a slow injection into one of your veins (this is called an intravenous infusion) by your doctor or a specially trained nurse.
How much is given
Your doctor will decide what dose, how often and how long you will receive it. This depends on your condition and other factors, such as your weight, age, blood tests, how well your kidneys are working, and whether or not other medicines are being given at the same time.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
These directions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Never administer this medicine yourself.
If you are given too much (overdose)
This rarely happens as Potassium Chloride is administered under the care of a highly trained doctor or nurse.
However, if you are given too much potassium chloride you may experience some of the effects listed under "Side Effects" below.
Your doctor has information on how to recognise and treat an overdose. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are being given Potassium Chloride Concentrate
Like other medicines, potassium chloride can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor or temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or nurse to answer any questions that you may have.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following:
tingling in the arms or legs
confusion
abnormal heart beat
muscle weakness
peeling skin at the site of injection
pain at the injection site
These side effects are serious. You may need urgent medical attention.
Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
stomach pain
These are the more common side effects of potassium chloride. Mostly these are mild and short-lived.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. Some side effects may only be seen by your doctor.
Storage
Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrates should be stored below 25°C.
Product Description
What it looks like
Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrates are clear, colourless solutions that are contained in plastic ampoules. They are available in 5 different strengths.
Ingredients
Sterile Potassium Chloride Concentrate contains potassium chloride in Water for Injections.
It does not contain a preservative.
