• Potassium administration via the intravenous route should only be used when the oral or enteral route is not available or will not achieve the required increase of serum potassium within a clinically acceptable time.
• Wherever possible commercially available ready to use diluted solutions should be prescribed and used.
• During initial replacement it may be preferable to use premixed infusions that are glucose-free.
• Administration should be via a volumetric infusion pump.
• The concentration of potassium for intravenous administration via a peripheral line should not exceed 40mmol/L, as higher strengths can cause phlebitis and pain.
• The infusion site should be checked regularly for redness and inflammation.
• Higher concentrations have been given in severe cases of hypokalaemia but should be given via the central venous route and require infusion pump control.
• The rate of administration should not normally exceed 10mmol/hour.
• Administration rates above 20mmol/hour require cardiac monitoring.
• Electrolytes should be monitored to determine the need for further infusions and to avoid hyperkalaemia.
• Treatment of hypokalaemia may require both potassium and magnesium repletion.

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