QUESTION: It has become known to me that potassium needs to be given “slowly” intravenously. I am not sure how slow I need to be. For example in an IV with 50 grams of vitamin c, 500 ml SW, 4ml of potassium chloride, 3 ml of calcium chloride, and 5ml of magnesium chloride. How slowly does the infusion need to be given so as not to get into trouble with the potassium?
ANSWER: The fastest would be 60 minutes for that one but usually it runs 90-120 minutes. WITH other minerals in the bag the K is safer , but of course you still wouldn’t run 500 mL over a faster rate than 60-120 min. Also the K in that formula is less ‘dangerous’ than in other formulas as it is specifically balanced with the Na/Mg and Ca.