Electrolyte Dosage (IV)*

Maximum Infusion Duration Monitoring Comments

Concentration
Potassium Neonates and Children: Peripheral : 80 mEq/L Neonates: 0.5-1 mEq/kg/hr Telemetry*** Preferably infused thru CVC.
0.5-1 mEq/kg/dose = 1mEq/12.5 ml Children 0.3-0.5 mEq/kg/hr; monitoring required if Confirm patency. If peripheral
Chloride** Max 30 mEq/dose = 0.08 mEq/mL Max rate 1 mEq/kg/hr or 10 infusion rates >0.25 line, run concurrently with
(KCl) Adolescents: (Neonates 40 mEq/L) mEq/hr (whichever is lower); mEq/kg/hr OR maintenance IV fluids via
10-20 mEq/dose for Cardiac Surgery patients: >20 mEq/hr. separate large volume infusion
Max 40 mEq/dose Central : 200 mEq/L Max rate = 20 mEq/hr pump to decrease
= 1mEq/5 ml Adolescents: Each dose over Monitor: Serum K+ concentration. Monitor q30-60
NOTE: Limit to patients who are = 0.2 mEq/mL >2-3 hrs. Max 40 mEq/hr for (4 hrs after end of min for pain at injection site;
NPO and have not responded to (Neonates 80 mEq/L) symptomatic hypokalemia with infusion), Glucose, phlebitis, infiltration.
potassium in maintenance IV fluids K+ <2.5 mEq/L. Cl-, pH, UOP, SCr, Double check w/ another RN.
PTU: infusion of total dose BUN
must be >2 hrs
Potassium Neonates: 0.5-1 mmol/kg/dose Peripheral: 0.05 mmol/ml Children: Over 6 hours Telemetry*** DO NOT infuse with Calcium
Children: 0.08-0.36 mmol/kg/dose Adolescents: Over 3-4 hours monitoring required if
containing IVFs. If peripheral
Phosphate Adolescents: 0.15-0.3 Central: 0.12 mmol/ml infusion rate of PO4 line, may run concurrently with
(KPO4) mmol/kg/dose Max Rate: 0.06 mmol/kg/hr >0.17 mmol/kg/hr compatible maintenance IV
fluids via separate large
PTU: infusions must be > 4 hrs Monitor: Serum K+, volume infusion pump to
Na+, Ca++, PO4, SCr, decrease concentration.
BUN, UOP Double check w/ another RN.
Calcium Neonates and Children: 50 mg/ml Max 50 mg/min. Usually over
Monitor HR, EKG.
100 mg/kg/dose (Max 3g/dose) at least 1 hour: Use large vein - preferably
Gluconate** Adolescents: < 120-240 mg/kg/hr. CVC. Do not use scalp veins
PTU – place child on
usu. 500-1000 mg/dose or small hand veins.
telemetry during
(Max 3 g/dose) Emergent dose may be given
infusion.
over 5-10 minutes; may repeat Incompatible with fluids
in 6 hours. containing Phosphate or
Serum Ca++ (ionized
Sodium Bicarbonate.
preferred), Mg++,
PO4
PTU: infusions must be >2 hr

PLEASE NOTE: Doses should be individualized to patient’s requirements. Please use clinical judgment when making treatment decisions. While
every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information provided in these guidelines, the user assumes all responsibility for their use.

Approved by Pediatric CMT (1/13) and P&T Committee (7/13)

 Calcium Neonates: CaGluconate preferred. 10 mg/ml Monitor HR, EKG.
CaCl 35-70 mg/kg/dose PTU: Infusions must be >2 hr
Chloride** Children: 10-20 mg/kg/dose q4-6h PTU – place child on Central line required unless
(CaCl only Adolescents: 500-1000 mg/dose telemetry during Code Blue.
allowed in PTU infusion.
if Calcium Incompatible with fluids
Gluconate Serum Ca++ (ionized containing Phosphate or
unavailable and preferred), Mg++, Sodium Bicarbonate.
IV calcium PO4
required)

Magnesium Neonates: 25-50 mg/kg/dose Usual: 60 mg/ml Over 2-4 hours RR, BP, UOP, serum Up to 200 mg/kg/dose have
q 8-12hr Max: 125 mg/kg/hr Magnesium, DTRs been used in children.
Sulfate Children: 25-50 mg/kg/dose Max: 200 mg/ml Up to 12 g/day in divided
(MgSO4) q 4-6hr (Max 2g/dose) doses have been used in
Adolescents: 1-2 g/dose adults.
PTU: infusions must be >4hrs Ensure IV patency.
If giving both Mg++ and K+,
infuse the Mg++ first.
*Intended for intermittent dosing of deficient electrolytes requiring IV replacement. These doses DO NOT reflect recommended daily
electrolyte maintenance requirements.
** If infiltration, elevate extremity above heart, use warm compress, and notify the physician in charge immediately.
*** Telemetry monitoring must be ordered by physician as dictated by infusion rates.
References:
1. Taketomo, C.K., Hodding, J.H., & Kraus, D.M. (2010). Pediatric Dosage Handbook. 17th Ed.
2. Phelps, SJ, Hak, EB, & Crill, CM. (2010). Pediatric Injectable Drugs – The Teddy Bear Book, 9th Edition.
3. Young, TE & Mangum B. NeoFax 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: Doses should be individualized to patient’s requirements. Please use clinical judgment when making treatment decisions. While
every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information provided in these guidelines, the user assumes all responsibility for their use.

Approved by Pediatric CMT (1/13) and P&T Committee (7/13)