Singapore Drugs Database

Indication

For use as an electrolyte replenisher and in the treatment of hypokalemia.

Mechanism of Action

Supplemental potassium in the form of high potassium food or potassium chloride may be able to restore normal potassium levels.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady-state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine.

Distribution

Metabolism

Elimination

Toxicity

The administration of oral potassium salts to persons with normal excretory mechanisms for potassium rarely causes serious hyperkalemia. However, if excretory mechanisms are impaired, of if potassium is administered too rapidly intravenously, potentially fatal hyperkalemia can result. It is important to recognize that hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic and may be manifested only by an increased serum potassium concentration (6.5-8.0 mEq/L) and characteristic electrocardiographic changes (peaking of T-waves, loss of P-wave, depression of S-T segment, and prolongation of the QT interval). Late manifestations include muscle paralysis and cardiovascular collapse from cardiac arrest (9-12 mEq/L).

Active Ingredient/Synonyms

[KCl] | Chlorid draselny | Chloride of potash | Kaliumchlorid | KCl | Monopotassium chloride | Muriate of potash | Sylvite | Potassium Chloride |

Indication

Injection, USP 40 mEq is indicated as a source of sodium, for addition to large volume intravenous fluids to prevent or correct hyponatremia in patients with restricted or no oral intake. It is also useful as an additive for preparing specific intravenous fluid formulas when the needs of the patient cannot be met by standard electrolyte or nutrient solutions. Sodium acetate and other bicarbonate precursors are alkalinising agents, and can be used to correct metabolic acidosis, or for alkalinisation of the urine.

Mechanism of Action

It works as a source of sodium ions especially in cases of hyponatremic patients. Sodium has a primary role in regulating extracellular fluid volume. It controls water distribution, fluid and electrolyte balance and the osmotic pressure of body fluids. Sodium is also involved in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, acid-base balance and cell nutrient uptake.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

It is readily available in the circulation after IV administration.

Distribution

Metabolism

In liver, sodium acetate is being metabolized into bicarbonate. To form bicarbonate, acetate is slowly hydrolyzed to carbon dioxide and water, which are then converted to bicarbonate by the addition of a hydrogen ion.

Elimination

Toxicity

LD50: 25956 mg/kg (Rat.)

Active Ingredient/Synonyms

acetic acid, sodium salt | Acetic acid, sodium salt (1:1) | anhydrous sodium acetate | Natriumazetat | Sodium acetate anhydrous | Sodium acetate, anhydrous | Sodium acetate,anhydrous | Sodium acetate |

Indication

This intravenous solution is indicated for use in adults and pediatric patients as a source of electrolytes and water for hydration. Also, designed for use as a diluent and delivery system for intermittent intravenous administration of compatible drug additives.

Mechanism of Action

Sodium and chloride — major electrolytes of the fluid compartment outside of cells (i.e., extracellular) — work together to control extracellular volume and blood pressure. Disturbances in sodium concentrations in the extracellular fluid are associated with disorders of water balance.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Absorption of sodium in the small intestine plays an important role in the absorption of chloride, amino acids, glucose, and water. Chloride, in the form of hydrochloric acid (HCl), is also an important component of gastric juice, which aids the digestion and absorption of many nutrients.

Distribution

The volume of distribution is 0.64 L/kg.

Metabolism

The salt that is taken in to gastro intestinal tract remains for the most part unabsorbed as the liquid contents pass through the stomach and small bowel. On reaching the colon this salt, together with the water is taken in to the blood. As excesses are absorbed the kidney is constantly excreting sodium chloride, so that the chloride level in the blood and tissues remains fairly constant.Further more, if the chloride intake ceases, the kidney ceases to excrete chlorides. Body maintains an equilibrium retaining the 300gm of salt dissolved in the blood and fluid elements of the tissue dissociated into sodium ions and chloride ions.

Elimination

Toxicity

The rare inadvertent intravascular administration or rapid intravascular absorption of hypertonic sodium chloride can cause a shift of tissue fluids into the vascular bed, resulting in hypervolemia, electrolyte disturbances, circulatory failure, pulmonary embolism, or augmented hypertension. ( toxnet)

Active Ingredient/Synonyms

Sodium Chloride | Sodium Chloride |