Posology : מינונים

4.2    Posology and method of administration
Posology

Individualize dosage. Guide dosage and rate of infusion by ECG and serum electrolyte determinations.
The potassium deficit is calculated according to the following formula: mmol potassium = kg body weight x 0.2 x 2 x [4.5 – current serum potassium (mmol/l)]. (Body weight x 0.2 represents the extracellular fluid volume.) 
Maximum daily dose
Not more than 2–3 mmol/kg body weight/day.

Maximum infusion rate
Up to 20 mmol potassium per hour in adults (corresponding to 0.3 mmol potassium/kg body weight/hour).

Children
IV infusion up to 3 mEq/kg/day. Adjust volume of administered fluids to body size.

Method of administration
Intravenously use. Use only diluted as an additive to infusion solutions. The potassium concentration in the infusion solution must not exceed 40 mmol/l. Suitable vehicle solutions are e.g. 5% or 10% glucose solutions, isotonic sodium chloride solution, Compound Sodium Lactate solution, or complete electrolyte solutions.
Do not infuse rapidly. Adjust rate of administration according to tolerance. Use of the largest peripheral vein and a small bore needle is recommended.
In addition to ECG effects, vein irritation may result when a potassium concentration greater than 40 mEq/l is infused.
Concentrated potassium solutions are for IV admixtures only; do not use undiluted. Direct injection may be instantaneously fatal.
In critical states, potassium chloride may be administered in saline (unless saline is contraindicated) since dextrose may lower serum potassium levels by producing an intracellular shift.
Concentrated Sterile Solution containing 14.9% Potassium Chloride should only be added immediately before setting up the infusion and strictly aseptic technique should be observed. The infusion bottle should then be gently shaken.
As a matter of principle, infusion pumps should be used for the infusion of potassium in the setting of correction therapy.