ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/potassium-chloride
US brand names:KCl, K-Dur
Essential electrolyte for cellular function, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Replaces potassium deficit.
NEVER give IV push — must dilute and infuse slowly. Cardiac arrhythmia and death risk with rapid infusion. Maximum rate 0.5 mEq/kg/hr. Monitor ECG.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Potassium Chloride CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | Add to IV fluidsCRI based on serum K+ | Hypokalemia | Strong | Wells RJ. Treatment of Hypokalemia. Paper presented at: International Vet Emerg Crit Care : IVECCS 2015. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1073 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | Same sliding scale as canineCRI based on serum K+ | Hypokalemia | Strong | Wells RJ. Treatment of Hypokalemia. Paper presented at: International Vet Emerg Crit Care : IVECCS 2015. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1073 (2026-08-01). |
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | Add to IV fluids | CRI based on serum K+ | Strong | Wells RJ. Treatment of Hypokalemia. Paper presented at: International Vet Emerg Crit Care : IVECCS 2015. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1073 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | Same sliding scale as canine | CRI based on serum K+ | Strong | Wells RJ. Treatment of Hypokalemia. Paper presented at: International Vet Emerg Crit Care : IVECCS 2015. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1073 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia