Calculate safe oral and IV potassium replacement parameters for hypokalemia. Oral 20–40 mEq/dose (120 mEq/day); IV peripheral ≤ 10 mEq/h (40 mEq/L); IV central ≤ 20 mEq/h (80 mEq/L); daily IV cap 240 mEq. IV KCl must be on an infusion pump — never IV push. Correct hypomagnesemia first. Derived from Gennari NEJM 1998, Cohn 2000, Kraft 2005, MDCalc, and Asmar 2023. Not medical advice.
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Tool usage guide
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Key facts
Category
Health
Input types
select, number
Output type
json
Sample coverage
4
API ready
Yes
Overview
The Potassium Correction Rate & Limits calculator estimates potassium replacement parameters for hypokalemia using the selected route, target serum potassium rise, current potassium level, and body weight. It reports route-specific dose, rate, concentration, estimated deficit, and daily limits. This tool is not medical advice.
When to use
Estimate an oral potassium dose and daily limit when oral replacement is appropriate.
Check peripheral or central IV potassium rate, concentration, infusion volume, and daily cap.
Compare the estimated potassium deficit with route-specific replacement limits before reviewing a treatment plan.
How it works
1Select Oral, Peripheral IV, or Central IV as the replacement route.
2Enter the target potassium rise, current serum potassium, and patient weight.
3The calculator estimates the total potassium deficit from the target rise and body weight.
4It returns route-specific limits, including oral dose or IV rate, concentration, daily cap, and related parameters.
Use cases
Clinical review of oral potassium replacement for mild hypokalemia.
Checking peripheral IV potassium infusion constraints, including rate, concentration, and volume.
Estimating potassium deficit for a patient using the current potassium level, target rise, and body weight.
Examples
1. Peripheral IV replacement for potassium of 2.5 mmol/L
Clinician reviewing an IV replacement plan
Background
A 70 kg patient has a serum potassium of 2.5 mmol/L and a target rise of 1.0 mmol/L.
Problem
The clinician needs to review the maximum peripheral IV rate, concentration, infusion volume, estimated deficit, and daily cap.
How to use
Select Peripheral IV, enter a target rise of 1.0, current potassium of 2.5, weight of 70 kg, and use 1 decimal place.
Route: Peripheral IV; target rise: 1.0 mmol/L; current potassium: 2.5 mmol/L; weight: 70 kg.
Outcome
The calculator estimates a 210 mEq deficit and reports a maximum rate of 10 mEq/h, maximum concentration of 40 mEq/L, infusion volume of 250 mL/h, and daily IV cap of 240 mEq.
2. Oral replacement for potassium of 3.2 mmol/L
Clinician assessing oral replacement
Background
A 70 kg patient has a serum potassium of 3.2 mmol/L, a functional gastrointestinal tract, and a target rise of 0.8 mmol/L.
Problem
The clinician wants an oral dose and daily amount within the calculator's limits.
How to use
FAQ
What inputs does the calculator require?
You must enter the route, target potassium rise, current potassium level, and patient weight. Decimal places are optional.
What are the peripheral IV limits?
The calculator uses a maximum peripheral IV rate of 10 mEq/h and concentration of 40 mEq/L, with a 240 mEq daily IV cap.
What are the central IV limits?
The calculator uses a maximum central IV rate of 20 mEq/h and concentration of 80 mEq/L, with a 240 mEq daily IV cap.
What oral potassium limits does it use?
It uses 20–40 mEq per oral dose and a maximum daily amount of 120 mEq.
Can IV potassium be given by IV push?
No. IV KCl must be administered with an infusion pump and never by IV push. Clinical monitoring and local protocols are required.