Description:

Potassium Chloride for Injection Concentrate I.P. (POTCL 150mg/ml by NEON Laboratories) is a sterile, concentrated solution of potassium chloride used to treat and prevent hypokalaemia (low blood potassium levels). It is indicated for severe potassium depletion, often in patients with conditions causing potassium loss (e.g., diuretic therapy, vomiting/diarrhoea, diabetic ketoacidosis, post-surgery, or certain cardiac arrhythmias). The 150mg/ml concentration (equivalent to 2 mmol/ml K⁺) is a high-strength concentrate that must be diluted before IV administration to prevent life-threatening cardiac toxicity.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; administered only by healthcare professionals via IV infusion in hospitals/clinics—never self-administer or use undiluted; not OTC due to high risk of hyperkalaemia, cardiac arrest, and need for strict monitoring of serum potassium and ECG).

Therapeutic Category:

Electrolyte Replacement / Potassium Supplement (IV potassium salt for severe hypokalaemia.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Potassium chloride – 150 mg per ml (1.5 g per 10 ml ampoule).
  • Provides 2 mmol/ml (or 2 mEq/ml) of potassium ions (K⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). Other ingredients: Water for injection (solvent); pH may be adjusted with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The solution is clear, colorless, sterile, and highly concentrated.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: Yes – Potassium (from potassium chloride; therapeutic electrolyte replacement, not a dietary mineral supplement).

Variant:

• POTCL 150mg/ml (2 mmol/ml) Potassium Chloride Concentrate (standard 10 ml ampoule containing 1.5 g KCl). Related variants: Potassium chloride 7.45% (1 mmol/ml – lower concentration), 10% or 20% solutions, or larger vials/bags for infusion. The 150mg/ml (2 mmol/ml) is the high-concentration form requiring dilution.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intravenous (IV) infusion only (must be diluted in compatible IV fluid before use; never give undiluted or as bolus due to fatal cardiac risk).

Directions/Usage: Administered only in hospital/clinic by trained personnel with continuous ECG and potassium monitoring.

• Never administer undiluted (risk of cardiac arrest).
• Dilute before use: Maximum concentration 40 mmol/L (3 g/L) in peripheral veins; up to 80–100 mmol/L in central lines with monitoring.
• Typical adult dose: 10–20 mmol/hour IV (max 40 mmol/hour in severe cases under close monitoring); total daily replacement based on deficit (e.g., 40–100 mmol/day).
• Infuse slowly via infusion pump; rate not exceeding 10–20 mmol/hour peripherally.
• Monitor serum potassium frequently (target 3.5–5.0 mmol/L); stop if >5.5 mmol/L.
• Always use with compatible fluid (e.g., 0.9% NaCl or 5% dextrose).

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Pain or phlebitis at infusion site (if not adequately diluted).
• Hyperkalaemia symptoms (if over-infused): muscle weakness, paraesthesia, palpitations, arrhythmias. Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Cardiac arrest, severe hyperkalaemia (peaked T-waves, widened QRS, ventricular fibrillation), or infusion site necrosis (if extravasation occurs).

Package Type:

Glass ampoules of 10 ml (each containing 1.5 g potassium chloride; packs of 5 or 10 ampoules; labelled carton with “Concentrate – Must be diluted” warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Administered only under medical supervision with continuous ECG monitoring (fatal cardiac arrhythmias if given undiluted or too rapidly).
• Contraindicated in hyperkalaemia, severe renal failure, untreated Addison’s disease, or conditions with risk of hyperkalaemia.
• Caution in renal impairment (reduce dose), heart block, or patients on potassium-sparing diuretics/ACE inhibitors.
• Never give undiluted IV push or bolus – must be diluted to safe concentration.
• Monitor serum potassium, ECG, and urine output during infusion.
• If extravasation occurs (tissue damage risk), stop infusion and treat locally.
• If hyperkalaemia signs (muscle weakness, arrhythmias), stop immediately and give calcium gluconate/glucose-insulin.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar potassium chloride concentrate injections in Ghana include:

• Generic potassium chloride 150mg/ml or 2 mmol/ml injection (various importers).
• KCl 10% or 20% solutions (lower concentration for easier dilution).
• Other brands like Steri-KCl or local hospital generics. Alternatives: Oral potassium supplements (for mild hypokalemia), potassium chloride in IV fluids (e.g., 20 mmol/L in saline). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., hospital pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Neon Laboratories Ltd (India-based; primary manufacturer of Myostigmin and many injectable electrolytes, but for POTCL 150mg/ml, Neon or similar Indian companies produce generics). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked in hospital pharmacies).

Country of Origin:

India (manufactured by Neon Laboratories Ltd or similar Indian company; imported to Ghana and available in local hospitals/pharmacies).