PotassiumDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs and Horses.

Electrolyte available as potassium acetate, potassium chloride, and potassium gluconate. Hypokalemia and electrolyte imbalances.

Electrolyte replacement.

Potassium salts are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia. Potassium supplementation should be administered with extreme caution when administered IV in patients with renal failure or severe renal impairment, severe hemolysis, extensive tissue damage, untreated hypoadrenocorticism, or acute dehydration. IV potassium salts must be diluted and thoroughly mixed before being adminis- tered (see Overdose/Acute Toxicity), then given slowly (see Dosag- es).

The biggest risk associated with potassium supplementation is the development of hyperkalemia, which may be more serious than hypokalemia. Clinical signs associated with hyperkalemia can range from muscular weakness and/or GI disturbances to cardiac conduction disturbances and cardiac arrest.

The degree and frequency of monitoring associated with potassium therapy is dependent on the cause and/or severity of hypokalemia, the route of potassium administration, acid-base abnormalities, renal function, concomitant drugs administered, and disease states and can include: ■ Serum potassium