A Comprehensive Monograph on Potassium Chloride (DB00761): From Physicochemical Properties to Clinical Application and Safety

Introduction and Overview

Executive Summary

Potassium chloride (KCl) is a simple metal halide salt that serves as a cornerstone medication for the treatment and prevention of hypokalemia (low blood potassium).[1] Despite its fundamental chemical nature, its profound physiological importance and narrow therapeutic index classify it as a high-risk medication requiring meticulous clinical management. As the principal intracellular cation, potassium is indispensable for numerous physiological processes, including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction (cardiac, skeletal, and smooth), and the maintenance of intracellular tonicity and renal function.[1] The administration of potassium chloride, while essential for correcting deficiencies, carries significant risks, most notably life-threatening hyperkalemia and severe gastrointestinal injury.[3] This report provides an exhaustive analysis of potassium chloride, synthesizing data on its chemical properties, pharmacology, clinical use, safety profile, and regulatory landscape to serve as a definitive resource for clinicians and researchers.

Scope and Objectives

This monograph covers the full spectrum of knowledge regarding potassium chloride, from its basic chemical identifiers (CAS 7447-40-7, DrugBank ID DB00761) to its complex clinical applications.[1] The objective is to provide a nuanced, integrated understanding of how its properties influence its therapeutic use and associated risks. The analysis reveals a central paradox: the drug's chemical simplicity belies its clinical complexity. This report will deconstruct this paradox by systematically connecting its physicochemical characteristics to its formulation science, its physiological role to its pharmacodynamic effects, and its pharmacokinetic profile to its stringent safety requirements.