How Do Parenteral Electrolyte Supplements Work?

Parenteral electrolyte supplements are prescription or nonprescription medicines used to treat electrolyte imbalance in the body. Electrolytes, when dissolved or melted, dissociate into ions, which in turn help conduct electricity. Many automatic processes in the body rely on a small electric current to function, and electrolytes provide this charge. Ions are electrically charged atoms or atom groups. There are two types of ions formed: positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). Electrolytes are critical for:

• Distribution of water
• Muscle contraction and expansion
• Transmission of nerve impulses
• Delivery of oxygen to body tissues
• Heart rate and rhythm
• Acid-base balance

An electrolyte imbalance can lead to:

• Confusion
• Coma
• Death

Intravenous administration of electrolyte supplements can restore the lost electrolytes in the body by:

• Providing hydration
• Facilitating nutrition and maintaining electrolyte balance when the patient cannot eat

Parenteral electrolyte supplements are mainly used to treat electrolyte imbalance. Hence, they are used for:

• Hypophosphatemia (low phosphate level in the blood)
• Hypokalemia (low potassium levels)
• Hypochloremia (low chloride levels in the blood)

Parenteral electrolyte supplements, when administered intravenously, can cause the following side effects:

• Rash
• Drowsiness
• Seizure
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Dyspepsia
• Bleeding

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of parenteral electrolyte supplement drugs include:

• Ammonium chloride
• K10
• K8
• Kaon Cl 10
• KCl
• KDur
• Klor Con M10
• Klor Con M15
• Klor Con M20
• Klor-Con M
• KlorCon
• Klotrix
• KTab
• MicroK
• Potassium chloride
• Potassium phosphates, IV
• Slow K
• Sodium phosphates, IV