Quick answers
- What is Dextrose and potassium chloride used for?
- The FDA-approved label (Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., July 31, 2020) says: “Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection is indicated as a source of electrolytes, calories, and water for hydration. Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection is indicated as a source of electrolytes, calories, and water for hydration.” This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
- What are the side effects of Dextrose and potassium chloride?
- The “Adverse Reactions” section of the FDA label (Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., July 31, 2020) begins: “The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection were identified in post marketing reports. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.” … This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
- What are the drug interactions of Dextrose and potassium chloride?
- The “Drug Interactions” section of the FDA label (Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., July 31, 2020) begins: “Other Products that Cause Hyperkalemia: Avoid use in patients receiving such products. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium concentrations. (7.1) Other Products that Affect Glycemic Control, Vasopressin or Fluid and/or Electrolyte Balance: Monitor blood glucose concentrations, fluid balance serum electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance.” … This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
- Does Dextrose and potassium chloride have a boxed warning?
- No. None of the 1 FDA labels we found for this medicine has a boxed warning.
- Is there a shortage of Dextrose and potassium chloride?
- No current shortage is listed by the FDA for the products of this medicine (FDA data from October 30, 2026).
- Has Dextrose and potassium chloride been recalled?
- No recall linked to the products of this medicine appears in the FDA enforcement reports we use.
- Who makes Dextrose and potassium chloride?
- 1 company lists prescription products of Dextrose and potassium chloride in the FDA NDC Directory, including B. Braun Medical Inc.
What Dextrose and potassium chloride is used for
Quoted from the “Indications and Usage” section of the FDA-approved label.
Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection is indicated as a source of electrolytes, calories, and water for hydration. Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection is indicated as a source of electrolytes, calories, and water for hydration.
— FDA label: Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Label quoted: the one for the most common form (solution, intravenous), Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc.; it covers 1 product in the FDA NDC Directory. The side effects, interactions, dosage and pregnancy quotes below come from this same label.
This page is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine.
Boxed warning
A boxed warning (“black box”) is the FDA’s strongest warning on a drug label, for serious or life-threatening risks.
The label quoted above has no boxed warning.
Dextrose and potassium chloride side effects
Quoted from the “Adverse Reactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your doctor about any side effect that worries you.
The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection were identified in post marketing reports. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
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The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity reactions: including anaphylaxis and chills [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hyperkalemia, including cardiac arrest, as a manifestation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hyponatremia and hyponatremic encephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Hypervolemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Injection site reactions: infection at the site of injection, venous thrombosis or phlebitis extending from the site of injection, extravasation, infusion site rash, infusion site pain, infusion site vesicles, infusion site pruritus, pyrexia and chills Adverse reactions include electrolyte imbalances, hyperglycemia, and hypervolemia and injection site reactions. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact B. Braun Medical Inc. at 1-866-854-6851 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
— FDA label: Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Dextrose and potassium chloride drug interactions
Quoted from the “Drug Interactions” section of the FDA-approved label. Tell your pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
Other Products that Cause Hyperkalemia: Avoid use in patients receiving such products. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium concentrations. (7.1) Other Products that Affect Glycemic Control, Vasopressin or Fluid and/or Electrolyte Balance: Monitor blood glucose concentrations, fluid balance serum electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance.
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(7.2) 7.1 Other Products that Cause Hyperkalemia Administration of Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection in patients treated concurrently or recently with other products that can cause hyperkalemia or increase the risk of hyperkalemia (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers) increases the risk of severe and potentially fatal hyperkalemia, in particular in the presence of other risk factors for hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Avoid use of Potassium Chloride in 5% Dextrose Injection in patients receiving such products. If use cannot be avoided, monitor serum potassium concentrations. 7.2 Other Products that Affect Glycemic Control, Vasopressin or Fluid and/or Electrolyte Balance Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection can affect glycemic control, vasopressin and fluid and/or electrolyte balance [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6)]. Monitor blood glucose concentrations, fluid balance, serum electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance when using Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection in patients treated with other substances that affect glycemic control, vasopressin or fluid and/or electrolyte balance.
— FDA label: Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Dextrose and potassium chloride dosage
Quoted from the “Dosage and Administration” section of the FDA-approved label. Your own dose is the one your doctor prescribes: do not change it on your own.
Only for intravenous infusion. (2.1, 5.2) See full prescribing information for information on preparation, administration, dosing considerations and instructions for use. (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection is only for intravenous infusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
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For patients receiving Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection at greater than maintenance rates, frequent monitoring of serum potassium concentrations and serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) are recommended. The osmolarity of Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection is 295 mOsmol/L (calc). Peripheral administration is generally acceptable; however; consider central vein administration if there is peripheral vein irritation, phlebitis, and/or associated pain. Do not administer Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection simultaneously with blood products through the same administration set because of the possibility of pseudo agglutination or hemolysis. To prevent air embolism, use a non-vented infusion set or close the vent on a vented set, avoid multiple connections, do not connect flexible containers in series, fully evacuate residual gas in the container prior to administration, do not pressurize the flexible container to increase flow rates, and if administration is controlled by a pumping device, turn off pump before the container runs dry. Prior to infusion, visually inspect the solution for particulate matter. The solution should be clear and there should be no precipitates. Do not administer unless solution is clear and container is undamaged. Use of a final filter is recommended during administration of parenteral solutions, where possible. 2.2 Recommended Dosage The infusion rate and volume depends on the age, weight, clinical and metabolic conditions of the patient and concomitant therapy. Electrolyte supplementation may be indicated according to the clinical needs of the patient. The administration rate should be governed, especially for premature infants with low birth weight, during the first few days of therapy, by the patient’s tolerance to dextrose. Increase the infusion rate gradually as indicated by frequent monitoring of blood glucose concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. 2.3 Instructions for Use To Open Tear overwrap down at notch and remove solution container. Visually inspect the container. The closure system has two ports; the one for the administration set has a tamper evident plastic protector and the other is a medication addition site. Evaluate the following: Read the label. Ensure solution is the one ordered and is within the expiration date. If the outlet port protector is damaged, detached or not present, discard container. Invert the container and check to ensure the solution is clear and there is no haze or particulate matter. Discard if there is a color change and/or the appearance of precipitates, insoluble complexes or crystals. Check for minute leaks by squeezing solution container firmly. If leaks are found, discard solution as sterility may be impaired.
— FDA label: Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020. This is part of the section. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Dextrose and potassium chloride in pregnancy
Quoted from the pregnancy part of the FDA-approved label. Ask your doctor before you take any medicine while pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Risk Summary Appropriate administration of Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection during pregnancy is not expected to cause adverse developmental outcomes, including congenital malformations. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
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All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
— FDA label: Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020. Read the full label on DailyMed →
When Dextrose and potassium chloride should not be used
Quoted from the “Contraindications” section of the FDA-approved label.
Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection is contraindicated in patients with: known hypersensitivity to potassium chloride and/or dextrose [see Warnings and Precautions 5.1)] clinically significant hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] clinically significant hyperglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] known hypersensitivity to potassium chloride and/or dextrose (5.1) clinically significant hyperkalemia (5.2) clinically significant hyperglycemia (5.3)
— FDA label: Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Dextrose and potassium chloride overdose
Quoted from the “Overdosage” section of the FDA-approved label. If someone may have taken too much, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (or 911 in an emergency).
Excess administration of Potassium Chloride in Dextrose Injection can cause: Hyperkalemia Manifestations of hyperkalemia may include: disturbances in cardiac conduction and arrhythmias, including bradycardia, heart block, asystole, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ECG changes (peaking of T waves, loss of P waves, and QRS widening) hypotension muscle weakness up to and including muscular and respiratory paralysis, paresthesia of extremities gastrointestinal symptoms (ileus, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) The presence of any ECG findings that are suspected to be caused by hyperkalemia should be considered a medical emergency.
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If hyperkalemia is present or suspected, discontinue the infusion immediately and institute close ECG, laboratory and other monitoring and, as necessary, corrective therapy to reduce serum potassium concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Other Electrolyte and Fluid Disorders Hyperglycemia, hyperosmolality, and adverse effects on water and electrolyte balance, and corresponding complications, which can be fatal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.6)]. Hyponatremia, manifestations may include seizures, coma, cerebral edema and death) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Fluid overload (which can lead to central and/or peripheral edema) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. Hypernatremia, especially in patients with severe renal impairment. Interventions include discontinuation of the infusion, dose reduction, monitoring of fluid balance, electrolyte concentrations and acid-base balance and institution of appropriate corrective measures such as administration of exogenous insulin.
— FDA label: Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020. Read the full label on DailyMed →
Forms and how it is given
| Dosage forms | Solution |
|---|---|
| Route | Intravenous |
| Prescription products | 1 in the FDA NDC Directory |
Companies that list this medicine
Labelers in the FDA NDC Directory: the company named on the package (maker or distributor), with the number of prescription products.
- B. Braun Medical Inc.1 product
FDA approval history
- NDA: New Drug Application: how a new (usually brand-name) medicine is approved.
| Application | Sponsor | Approved | Later changes approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDA019699 POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.037% IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.075% IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.11% IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.15% IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.22% IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE 0.3% IN DEXTROSE 5% IN PLASTIC CONTAINER | B Braun | September 29, 1989 | 13, latest July 10, 2020 2020: Labeling · 2014: Manufacturing (CMC) · 2004: Labeling |
Shortage status
The FDA drug shortage list does not show these products.
Recalls
No recall linked to these products (by their NDC code) appears in the FDA enforcement reports.
Official identifiers
| RxCUI (RxNorm) | 309783, 309786 |
|---|---|
| SPL set ID of the quoted label | e5bbb3e1-ab50-4ec7-a2b4-ce4091712e23 |
| FDA labels (SPL) | 1 |
| FDA applications | NDA019699 |
| Active ingredients (FDA) | DEXTROSE / POTASSIUM CHLORIDE |
Next steps
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Sources
- FDA-approved label on DailyMed (National Library of Medicine) — Potassium Chloride in Dextrose, B. Braun Medical Inc., effective July 31, 2020; via openFDA, FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- NDC Directory (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drugs@FDA (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drug recall enforcement reports (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 27, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
- Drug shortages (openFDA) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA data exported October 30, 2026, retrieved October 31, 2026
openFDA data is provided by the FDA as is; it may be incomplete. Always rely on the label that comes with your medicine. FDA Enforcement Report search →