potassium chloride

Potassium chloride is an inorganic metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine, with the chemical formula KCl. It is a white or colorless crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and forms a good conductor when dissolved. Medically, it is used as an electrolyte replenisher to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which can result from various conditions including diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, or certain diseases. Potassium ions are essential for normal function of the heart, muscles, kidneys, nerves, and digestive system. In medicine it may be administered orally or intravenously depending on severity and clinical context[1][8]. Industrially and agriculturally it is widely used as a fertilizer (potash) due to its high potassium content; over 90% of global production goes into plant nutrition[1][7]. Other uses include food processing (as a salt substitute), animal feed additive to boost milk production in livestock[1][3], deicing agent for roads[5][7], water softening agent[1][5], flux in metalworking/welding[1], glass manufacturing[3], laboratory buffers/solutions[5], oil-well drilling fluids[2] and calibration source for radiation equipment due to trace radioactive isotope content [3]. In lethal injection protocols (U.S.), intravenous potassium chloride induces cardiac arrest by disrupting electrical conduction in the heart [3].

Brand names

KlotrixKlor-ConSlow-KEnsealKalitabsKaochlorPfklorRekawan

Other names

Chloride, PotassiumChlorid draselnyChloride of potashKaliumchloridMonopotassium chlorideMuriate of potashSylvite