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Dear Pharma PK team,
We have a potassium salt of an anticancer drug and rate of infusion specified for the innovator
product (sodium salt) is 10 minutes, can anybody advise what should be rate of infusion for the
potassium salt
Your inputs will be highly appreciated in this regard, we anticipate an early response form the PK
group
Regards
Krishna
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First determine how many mEq of potassium are present in your dose of the anticancer drug. In
patients without a continuous cardiac monitor (ECG lead II) we limit the potassium infusion rate to
10 mEq per hour. In patient who are closely monitored in ICU we generally limit the infusion rate
to 40 mEq/hour times one hour. Other patient factors to be mindful of are 1) cardiac status, 2)
magnesium serum concentration, 3) other sources of potassium, and 4) other drug therapy with
potential clinical interactions.
Hope this helps,
Michael Jones, PharmD
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Clinically, how much potassium (mmol of K+) would be present in a standard dose?
If the drug is being given in a monitored bed/seat (telemetry) via a central line then maximum of 20
mmol per hour of infusion. For us this would be in a critical care unit where resuscitation
equipment and staffing allow this rapidity of administration.
If via a peripheral IV line, then 10 mmol per hour infusion (non monitored) which would apply most
likely to almost all clinical situations.
20 mmol K+ (as KCL in 10 mL) pushed IV has caused cardiac arrest in patients where the KCL was
pushed instead of 10 mL 0.9% normal saline when flushing IV access devices.
Greg
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What is the ratio of delivery for the sodium
Vs potassium salts. That is simple isn't it
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