Potassium acetate

Severe: Contraindicated.

Dilute with compatible infusion solutions (e.g. NaCl 0.9%, lactated Ringer's inj). Recommendations on the concentration of infusion may vary depending on the patient's condition and between countries (refer to local guidelines).

Adrenal insufficiency, hyperkalaemia. Severe renal impairment.

Patient with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis, CV disease (e.g. heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, heart block), acid-base alterations, condition that may contribute to hyperkalaemia or altered serum potassium levels (e.g. heat cramps, severe tissue breakdown from trauma or burns). Avoid extravasation. Do not administer undiluted or via IV push. Mild to moderate renal impairment and severe hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.

Cardiac disorders: Cardiac arrhythmia, heart block.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Weakness.
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: Inj site reactions (e.g. pain, phlebitis).
Nervous system disorders: Paralysis, paraesthesia.
Psychiatric disorders: Confusion.
Vascular disorders: Hypotension.
Potentially Fatal: Hyperkalaemia.

IV/Parenteral: C

Monitor electrolytes (e.g. serum potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium) and acid-base status. May repeat serum potassium level 2-4 hours after administration to assess adequate replacement. Conduct ECG monitoring. Monitor IV infusion site for extravasation.

Symptoms: Hyperkalaemia manifested as increased serum potassium concentration and changes in ECG; may lead to cardiac depression, arrhythmia, or arrest.

Management: Supportive and symptomatic treatment. Discontinue potassium acetate, potassium-sparing diuretics, and other potassium-containing medications or foods. Initiate appropriate corrective measures to lower elevated serum potassium and restore acid-base balance, if necessary. May administer glucose 10% solution containing 10-20 units of crystalline insulin/1,000 mL via IV. Administer IV sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis; may repeat after 15-20 minutes if necessary. In case of cardiac arrhythmias, may give IV calcium gluconate 10% 10-50 mL over 1-5 minutes; conduct continuous ECG monitoring. Severe hyperkalaemia may require treatment with exchange resins, haemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis.

May increase the adverse or toxic effects of digoxin. May increase the risk of hyperkalaemia with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril, enalapril), and potassium-containing salt substitutes.

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Potassium acetate acts as an electrolyte replenisher. Potassium, the major cation of intracellular fluid, is essential for the maintenance of acid-base balance, normal renal function, carbohydrate metabolism, and gastric secretion. It also plays a vital role in the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle and in the contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles.
Pharmacokinetics:
Distribution: Distributed to cells via active transport from extracellular fluid. Enters breast milk.
Excretion: Mainly via urine; skin and faeces (small amounts).

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 517044, Potassium Acetate. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Potassium-Acetate. Accessed Sept. 29, 2025.

Store between 20-25°C.

Electrolytes

B05XA17 - potassium acetate ; Belongs to the class of electrolyte solutions used in I.V. solutions.

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Potassium. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 03/09/2025.

Potassium Acetate Injection, Solution, Concentrate (Hospira, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 03/09/2025.

Potassium Acetate. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 03/09/2025.

Potassium Acetate. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 03/09/2025.

Potassium Supplements. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 16/09/2025.