Potassium

Name	Potassium
Uses	Essential electrolyte used to support nerve conduction, muscle contraction (including cardiac muscle), and fluid balance. In wellness settings, potassium may be included in IV formulations for electrolyte replenishment, hydration support, muscle recovery, and to correct mild potassium deficiency detected on lab work.
Route Of Administration	Intravenous (IV)
Frequency Of Use	Typically administered once weekly if indicated by clinical assessment, symptoms (e.g., muscle cramps, fatigue), or lab findings. Frequency should be reassessed after 4 to 6 weeks.
Concentration(s)	Potassium Chloride: 2 mEq/mL, Potassium Phosphate: 3 mmol/mL phosphate with 4.4 mEq potassium/mL. The specific form and concentration depend on the patient’s needs and the compounded formulation used.
Maximum Dosage (Day, Wk) (g/mL)/mL	Maximum dose per infusion: 20 mEq (adjust based on lab values). Maximum weekly dose: 40 mEq. Excessive potassium administration increases risk of hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmias.
Contraindications	Hyperkalemia. Severe renal impairment. Untreated Addison’s disease. Known hypersensitivity to potassium salts. Patients taking potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or other medications affecting potassium levels require caution and close monitoring.
Possible Side Effects	Burning sensation at infusion site, nausea, flushing, or lightheadedness. High doses or rapid administration increases risk of arrhythmias, hyperkalemia, and cardiovascular complications. Extravasation can cause tissue damage.
Compatibility With Other Drugs	Compatible with normal saline and D5W. Potassium should not be mixed directly with calcium-containing solutions due to risk of precipitation. Compatibility should always be verified when combining with vitamins, amino acids, or minerals.
Allergies	True allergy to potassium is rare, but hypersensitivity reactions to preservatives in compounded formulations are possible.
Administration Time	Typical infusion time: 30 to 60 minutes for doses up to 20 mEq. Slower infusion improves tolerability and reduces vein irritation risk.
IV Dosing	For general wellness and hydration support: 10 mEq to 20 mEq IV once weekly. Dosing should be individualized based on dietary intake, symptoms, and laboratory results.
IM/Push	IV push is not recommended due to the risk of sudden hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmia. IM administration is not appropriate for potassium salts.
What To Do If Adverse Reaction Occurs	1. Stop the infusion immediately if a reaction occurs. 2. Assess vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation). 3. If burning or vein irritation occurs, dilute further and restart at a slower rate. 4. For allergic reactions (rash, itching, shortness of breath), administer antihistamines and consider epinephrine if severe. 5. If hyperkalemia symptoms occur (muscle weakness, palpitations, peaked T-waves on ECG), check serum potassium and initiate emergency management (calcium gluconate, insulin/glucose infusion, bicarbonate if indicated). 6. If symptoms persist or worsen, arrange for emergency transfer to a higher level of care (call 911 if necessary).