potassium chloride
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Definition
Noun: 1. A chemical compound and medication: Potassium chloride is an inorganic salt with the formula KCl. It is the most common potassium supplement used in medicine to treat or prevent low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia).
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor prescribed potassium chloride to correct the patient's electrolyte imbalance.
- Potassium chloride is commonly used as a salt substitute for people on low-sodium diets.
- This intravenous solution contains potassium chloride and must be administered slowly.
Advanced Usage
- In Chemistry and Industry: Beyond medicine, potassium chloride is a major raw material for the production of potassium hydroxide and potassium metal. It is also a vital component in fertilizers.
- Example: Most of the world's potassium chloride production is used in agriculture.
Variants and Related Words
- KCl: The chemical formula for potassium chloride.
- Potassium supplement: A general term for medications, including potassium chloride, used to raise potassium levels.
- Muriate of potash (MOP): The common name for potassium chloride when used as an agricultural fertilizer.
Synonyms
- K-Dur 20, Kaochlor, K-lor, Klorvess, K-lyte: These are trade names for specific branded medications whose active ingredient is potassium chloride.
Important Notes
- Medical Use: Potassium chloride is a critical medication but must be used with caution as improper dosage can lead to dangerous conditions like hyperkalemia (excess potassium).
- Formulations: It is available in various forms, including oral tablets, powders for solution, and intravenous injections. The trade names listed are examples of oral supplement brands.
Noun
- salt of potassium (KCl) (trade names K-Dur 20, Kaochlor and K-lor and Klorvess and K-lyte); taken in tablet form to treat potassium deficiency