Introduction About POTCL INJECTION

POTCL INJECTION contains Potassium chloride which belongs to the group of medicines called Electrolyte replacement Solutions. It is used to manage potassium deficiency in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or other medicines remains ineffective.

Deficiency of potassium is caused due to inadequate dietary intake of potassium, certain underlying disease conditions (such as vomiting, diarrhea or kidney disease) or due to intake of certain medicines that can eliminate potassium from the body (such as diuretics). Symptoms of low potassium levels in the body can include muscle weakness, constipation, tiredness, muscle twitching or paralysis, or an abnormal heartbeat.

POTCL INJECTION is not meant for self-administration. It should be used under careful medical supervision. While administering POTCL INJECTION, your doctor would closely monitor your heart functions to avoid the risk of unwanted heart problems.

POTCL INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with kidney problems. It should be used with caution in patients with heart problems. Before receiving POTCL INJECTION, inform your doctor if you have severe dehydration, metabolic acidosis or heat cramps. It should be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women only if considered necessary by the physician.

The most common side effects of receiving POTCL INJECTION are pain/swelling at the site of injection or numbness of hands and feet. Consult your doctor if any of the symptom worsens.

Uses Of POTCL INJECTION

• Manage potassium deficiency

How POTCL INJECTION Works

POTCL INJECTION works by restoring the deficient levels of potassium in the body. It supplements our body with sufficient potassium which is necessary for proper functioning of the heart, bones, muscles, kidneys, and nerves.

How to use POTCL INJECTION

POTCL INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or nurse into the vein (intravenously). Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Side Effects Of POTCL INJECTION

How To Manage Side Effects

Pain, swelling or irritation at the site of injection:

Place an ice pack on the injected site. Do not move the affected area frequently. If the symptom worsens, consult your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

POTCL INJECTION is not recommended for use in pregnant women, unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it.

Breastfeeding

POTCL INJECTION is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women, unless considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it.

Driving and Using Machines

POTCL INJECTION does not affect your ability to drive or operate any heavy tools or machines. However, if you feel dizzy after receiving POTCL INJECTION, do not drive or operate any heavy machines.

Alcohol

Avoid consumption of alcohol before receiving POTCL INJECTION.

Kidney

POTCL INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with kidney problems (such as low urine output). Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it.

Allergy

Do not receive POTCL INJECTION if you are allergic to Potassium chloride.

Heart Disease

POTCL INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with heart problems (such as abnormal heart rhythm or heart failure). Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before receiving POTCL INJECTION, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

• potassium sparging diuretics (used to increase urine output while managing potassium loss) Ex. spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride
• medicines used to manage high blood pressure such as aliskiren, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (Ex. captopril or enalapril) or angiotensin receptor blockers (Ex. losartan or valsartan)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (used to manage pain or fever) Ex. aspirin, or paracetamol
• ciclosporin, tacrolimus (used to suppress immune system and manages graft rejection)
• other medicines containing potassium salts (Ex. Potassium clavulanate)
• glucose infusion (used to manage severe dehydration)
• suxamethonium (used to relax skeletal muscles)
• quinidine, digoxin (used to manage abnormal heartbeat)
• corticosteroid medicines (used to manage inflammation) Ex. budesonide, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone

Overdosage:

POTCL INJECTION will be administered to you only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital, and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, consult your doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep POTCL INJECTION out of reach from children
• Store POTCL INJECTION at room temperature

FAQs About POTCL INJECTION

Can POTCL INJECTION be used to manage diarrhea?

No. POTCL INJECTION is a potassium salt used to manage potassium deficiency. It is not recommended for use in diarrhea or in other dehydration states. However, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it.

Can POTCL INJECTION be used in children?

POTCL INJECTION should be used with caution in children and adolescents (below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before receiving it. Proper dose adjustments and careful monitoring are required in such patients.

Can POTCL INJECTION be used in patients with kidney problems?

POTCL INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with impaired kidney function (such as low urine output). It is important to inform your doctor about all the others medicines you take which can affect the function of your kidneys such as potassium sparging diuretics (Ex. spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), ACE inhibitors (Ex. captopril, enalapril) or angiotensin receptor blockers (Ex. valsartan, losartan).

How long will it take to administer POTCL INJECTION?

POTCL INJECTION will be given to you by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital and therefore the duration of the therapy would be decided by your doctor depending upon the dose that needs to be administered.

How to take POTCL INJECTION?

POTCL INJECTION is not meant for self-administration. It should be administered by a doctor or a nurse into the vein (intravenously).

Can POTCL INJECTION be combined along with digitalis?

Avoid concomitant use of digitalis (digoxin) with POTCL INJECTION without consulting your doctor as it may increase the risk of hyperkalemia.

References

1. K.D. Tripathi. Diuretics. Essentials of medical pharmacology. 8th Edition. 2019. Page – 631.

2. Robert S. McMahon; Khalid Bashir. Potassium Chloride. National Library of Medicine (NIH). [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 6th December 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557785/

3. Mercury Pharmaceuticals Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2018] [Accessed on 6th December 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2797.pdf

4. Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HRPA). [Revised in October 2012] [Accessed on 6th December 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/Licence_PA2059-054-001_17042019164622.pdf